December 2009 Archives

December 31

Asking for a friend: Is there anything that can be done about a landlord who lives in the building and allows his dog to defecate throughout the building? [more inside]posted by millipede at 11:53 PM PST - 14 comments

Questions about working and parking in Old Town Pasadena, CA. I'm new to the area - what are my cheapest parking options? I don't mind walking. Although ... I will sometimes be getting off work between 11 pm and 1 am, so I'd rather walk through well-lit and well-trafficked areas. [more inside]posted by Xere at 10:59 PM PST - 2 comments

Real Estate filter: My friend paid $350,000 for his unit and now wants to rent it to me. How do we agree upon a fair amount? Are there any formulas for this? Anything we need to be extra careful about? [more inside]posted by heytch at 7:02 PM PST - 25 comments

Dear Metafilter Community,
I live in a house full of roommates and I am trying to share my phone’s internet connection on our network so that everyone in the household may have an internet connection. Currently, I am capable of getting my phone to give my own computer internet access (via a Bluetooth Personal Area Netowork under ‘Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\Devices and Printers’ in Windows 7), but I have not been able to share this internet connection using the Internet Connection Sharing feature. [more inside]posted by thallium205 at 5:46 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking for a 25 year-old science fiction book about a dystopian United States, in which our hero is in prison, framed for killing or not protecting the president. The cover had a picture of a man and woman on a futuristic motorcycle. (a few more details inside)
Can anyone tell me the title or author? [more inside]posted by eaglehound at 4:59 PM PST - 2 comments

Got a new macbook pro... turned it on, went through all the user account setup questions, and then I decided to re-partition the hard drive and re-install OS X. After doing so, the macbook *still remembered my user account info* from the 1st setup. How is this possible? [more inside]posted by mhh5 at 4:53 PM PST - 5 comments

Letter of Recommendation question - Will a very short notice request for a letter of recommendation in between semesters (now) end badly? More details inside... [more inside]posted by Boydrop at 2:44 PM PST - 12 comments

I think someone might have used my Social Security Number to claim citizenship, or at the very least may be accidentally using my SSN on their W2. [more inside]posted by XQUZYPHYR at 1:51 PM PST - 5 comments

My partner has two cute and excitable 2-year old male dogs who are used to sleeping on the bed. I have a problem knowing that dog butts and genitalia have been lying where I put my face. [more inside]posted by Piscean at 1:09 PM PST - 52 comments

Looking for a briefly popular internet joke from a year or two ago. Setup was if the discovery of fire had been posted to slashdot (Digg? other?). Response is something like: "Too hot, smoke gets in your eyes, goes out too fast. Fail." Ringing any bells? Google is failing me. posted by hihowareyou at 12:52 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm going to a New Year's party. The theme is the 00 decade, and I can dress as any event/ figure from this decade.
Ideas for something clever/ fun/ cute?
I'm a short blonde girl, if it helps.
Thanks! posted by howgenerica at 12:05 PM PST - 21 comments

I am trying to find a program on 10.6 that will be a sort of companion to the Finder, something that will allow me to collect files from different directories and organize them into projects. [more inside]posted by ejfox at 11:49 AM PST - 6 comments

How can I help my husband host a successful "guys' weekend" at our house? What are the partner's typical obligations when friends of only spouse are visiting? [more inside]posted by yersinia at 11:43 AM PST - 24 comments

I just received some delicious-looking raw-milk cheese in the mail. It was room temperature. It does not appear molded. It is shrink-wrapped. I'd hate to waste it, but I don't want to take any chances especially because it is raw-milk cheese. [more inside]posted by verevi at 10:43 AM PST - 11 comments

As a self-taught PHPer, how much do I need to understand about Apache HTTP Server? Can you recommend any sites or books that would give me a good start? [more inside]posted by verymystery at 9:58 AM PST - 8 comments

I am having trouble accepting who I am. Other stuff related to hobbies, passions and how you accept yourself as you are (or in my case don't) are inside. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:31 AM PST - 24 comments

I have an interview next week at a mid-size non-profit. There is no vacant position, but the interest seems to be mutual, and I would really like to work for this organization (and also have a job!). Please help me with suggestions on giving a great impression, when I'm not really interviewing for a specific job. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:31 AM PST - 5 comments

American Male In Paris For The First TIme: I've read the previous questions but looking for some exact things. I'll be staying in Monmartre' for a few weeks and looking for things that are uniquely Parisian, laid back gay spots, and clothing that'll make me look halfway human. Details below. [more inside]posted by The Whelk at 8:14 AM PST - 9 comments

Seeking advice on attractive men's shoes for winter wear to work. Dapper gentlemen, how do you combine weather-proof shoes with formal business wear and not look like a rube? [more inside]posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:41 AM PST - 16 comments

Looking for a sci-fi, fantasy, art film I saw as a child, it must have come out in the 80s, I remember watching it at an inappropriately young age and I was born in 82. [more inside]posted by madmamasmith at 2:18 AM PST - 7 comments

My new Samsung HDTV plays lots of content off a USB Hard Drive. Works great. What's the best way for me to setup a hard drive that stays connected to the TV but allows my computer to write files to it? Seems like all the drives I have or look up only allow 1 device to connect to it at a time. posted by jakeaust at 10:06 PM PST - 24 comments

Son in Ireland has broken down in a car from Cong to Shannon airport. He has a US cell phone and cannot figure out how to call for police or road aid, Can anyone explain how he would dial for help?
THANKS! posted by mmf at 9:20 PM PST - 10 comments

I want to create a site which displays a very long text, and allows people to comment on any part of it and discuss it. What would be a good program to use? (Wordpress? Joomla? phpBB forums?) How would I be able to import hundreds of pages of text? How would I let people comment on any part of the text?
Thank You. [more inside]posted by zabraham at 8:48 PM PST - 9 comments

I need to pay some bills, and I am interested in selling an old, 14k gold necklace to help me do so. This week I went to a jeweler and had the necklace appraised at $850. That jeweler does not buy gold, so I went to another store in that shopping center and was offered $225. Obviously, I like the first figure better, and I know that the second guy needs to make a profit, but still. How can I get the most money for this gold chain? [more inside]posted by 4ster at 8:45 PM PST - 13 comments

I have a low end MacBook with Tiger OS. I have some 2500 photos that I want to back up on a flash/jump drive. I can't seem to do it. I can back up to a disk but not the jump drive. The jump drive is a Kingston and is supposed to work with Macs. posted by psc1860 at 7:51 PM PST - 5 comments

How do I price my product for wholesale? I currently have a product that I've been selling myself online, but have recently began getting wholesale inquiries from brick and mortar stores. Is there a formula for determining the price to extend to stores? [more inside]posted by billyfleetwood at 7:42 PM PST - 5 comments

Military Brat Filter: Explain a military brat childhood to someone who grew up in a touchy-feely liberal household that never moved once. I’m looking for either long-form articles or personal stories. How often did you move? What were the things you learned? Did you have coping mechanisms? What were the bases like? How has it affected you as an adult? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:05 PM PST - 20 comments

I remember reading that the reason you begin growing hair in new places once you pass a certain age (Developing back hair in middle age, for instance) relates to a certain vitamin or hormone that your body naturally produces -- this substance inhibits hair growth, and your body naturally tends to produce less as you age, allowing hair to grow in additional places.
I vaguely recall this being lycopene, but I don't know if I'm remembering that accurately because it's not showing up in a google search. Anyone able to tell me what substance it is that I'm remembering reading about? posted by Televangelist at 7:01 PM PST - 3 comments

Yet another children's book ID request: I had a children's book with intricate black-blue-and-white-only diagrams illustrating internal combustion engines. It was unusually scientifically detailed for its intended age range (I was about 5 when we owned it, but my very fuzzy memory suggests the description of the engine cycle would not have been out of place in freshman physics). It may, additionally, have been about trains. More details are inside. [more inside]posted by dorque at 5:53 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm staying in the Las Vegas area and want to drive to the strip to ring in the new year. I thought this would be easy and I would do the usual thing of driving up I15 to Russell and parking around the Luxor. But, I just saw that all exits along the strip will be closed. Yikes! Is it that crowded on the strip that I will hate it and will just be stuck in traffic all evening? Where would be best to park to get on around 9pm and off the strip after midnight? Maybe the by pass over to the MGM? Any thoughts or descriptions about what it will be like is appreciated. posted by GregWithLime at 4:44 PM PST - 9 comments

What would be a good battery to use for renewable energy generation?
If the anual average wind speed of an off-grid house was 6 m/s and had a roof at 30 degrees due south (for the use of solar PV). What kind of battery would you suggest I purchase so that it can be used for a turn key system and last for up to 3 days using wind power and solar PV? - The average power consumption per week of the house is 111.657 KWh [more inside]posted by sockpim at 3:05 PM PST - 27 comments

I applied for a very competitive position and made all of the preliminary cuts. I received an email that I'm being considered for a position in really awesome unit, and will be contacted if they want to interview me. They will make their decision on monday at the latest. Should I contact them? I really, really want this job! [more inside]posted by pintapicasso at 12:56 PM PST - 17 comments

We have a small dance hall space and it starts smelling bad because certain people who come don't wear deodorant, but we can't necessarily tell them to. The dance hall burns incense, but many people are allergic to the incense, like me. Apart from opening the door, which we can't do because people sneak in, what would be a good way to get rid of the smell during the event? posted by ph00dz at 12:44 PM PST - 17 comments

Shelving question: In some of my closets, there are moldings on the wall that shelves seem to have been meant to rest on. The original shelves are gone in some cases and cheap planks of wood have been attached to the wall or are resting on the moldings.
I'd like to install Elfa or some similar track-based shelving, but the moldings are in the way. I wonder if there is any shelving designed to work with these moldings; my Google-fu has failed me. Is anyone familiar with this style of shelving and able to direct me to a resource for replacement shelves?
This photo has an example of some of the replacement shelves the prior owner installed:
Photo[more inside]posted by scottso17 at 11:36 AM PST - 9 comments

Pop quiz: where should my boyfriend and I spend New Year's Eve? We'll be kidless... well, kinda (no varmints from ~5PM on New Year's Eve until ~5PM on New Year's Day). However, we can't decide where to spend our day o' freedom. The details: [more inside]posted by julthumbscrew at 11:16 AM PST - 2 comments

I bought a record player in a charity shop for £5. turns out it's a vintage beogram 1500. as far as i can tell, the only thing wrong with it is the stylus has fallen off |as evidenced by this|. I've looked around but all i can find is a replacement cartridge for £80. do I need a stylus specific to that turntable or can I use any old stylus? (i'm not overly concerned with sound quality)
Also, it occurred to me that, under the same logic that records are better than cds, laserdiscs are better than dvds (you can get any film online so the only reason to buy a physical copy is for the packaging). How easy is it to get hold of cheap laserdiscs and laserdisc players? posted by Andy Harwood at 10:28 AM PST - 29 comments

How can I optimize my chances of earning upgrades on upcoming international flights? Please help me avoid flying all the way from the East Coast of the US to Asia in coach! [more inside]posted by fancypants at 9:46 AM PST - 12 comments

I have a huge craving for instant noodles the way they are prepared in Nepal (specifically Katmandu) by street vendors. I can get Wai Wai Noodles here in New York, but don't know what else to include. I remember egg, but there were also additional spices and ingredients. Help! posted by jonschubin at 8:54 AM PST - 4 comments

Does anyone use Zimbra as a complete replacement for Office/Exchange? How did it go? Are there any builds of Zimbra that attempt to declutter the interface? Alternatively, are there any open source projects that provide Google Docs functionality, that I don't know about? [more inside]posted by geoff. at 8:38 AM PST - 8 comments

Flying commercially on some planes, the crew asks you to open your window shades at take off and landing. Why on earth do all passenger window shades have to be open? [more inside]posted by grapefruitmoon at 8:37 AM PST - 6 comments

Where can I find a beard trimmer in New York City? I specifically want one that takes AA batteries, nothing with a built-in battery and charger. [more inside]posted by hoobichu at 8:11 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm a non-religious male currently going through a really rough patch. I have no family or friends I can depend on. Is there something to lean on for comfort during this hard time? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:41 AM PST - 42 comments

You know the tweed jackets with leather or suede elbow patches called? They're stereotypically worn by professors. Do they have a particular name? Where can I find one? [more inside]posted by Quizicalcoatl at 5:41 AM PST - 13 comments

Atypical London NYE: I've lived in London for about five years now, but I've never spent the holidays here. Other than the default nightclub/tube home/kebab, what could I get up to tomorrow night? [more inside]posted by Kreiger at 3:50 AM PST - 5 comments

December 29

Where can I get the best "pouch foods" in New York City? I'm looking for anything involving ingredients sealed in some kind of dough: dumplings, samosas, pierogies, empanadas, etc. Suggestions welcome for all five boroughs. posted by Awkward Philip at 11:22 PM PST - 24 comments

How do I successfully update links within an actionscript file for a Shockwave Flash file? so the default links don't always come up. I have tried updating it several times using many programs. [more inside]posted by Bacillus at 10:29 PM PST - 2 comments

Quick -- WTWW (What's that website where?) question -- WTWW I can get lots of academic lectures, conferences, speeches on video. I remember seeing a talk from Joel Stein at Stanford upon it once and I saw all the great lectures and talks that were housed there. Of course, now I can't remember the site. [more inside]posted by skepticallypleased at 10:03 PM PST - 8 comments

I bought a second-hand swimsuit. I know, ew, but I'm on a budget and this suit fits much, much better than anything I could afford to buy new. It looks and smells clean and seems very lightly worn. What's the best way to to wash/sterilise it so as to a) not catch anything gross and b) not feel so squicky about putting it on? [more inside]posted by embrangled at 9:07 PM PST - 20 comments

A year or two ago there was a post about a restaurant that only took reservations 1 year ahead of time at about 7 am Eastern time in the morning. Does anyone remember this? I would like to get this as a present for my parents. posted by Mr_Zero at 9:04 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm on a ski trip in Aspen for the week, a vacation that my mom helped fund. What's a gift within the $50 range that I can bring home to show my appreciation? [more inside]posted by pyrom at 6:16 PM PST - 3 comments

What, if anything, is wrong with wearing two-tone shirts to the office? These are shirts that have white collar & cuffs but another colour for the rest of the shirt. [more inside]posted by kid A at 5:58 PM PST - 37 comments

Help me spend my Christmas money! I want to know what item or gadget has changed your life for the better. What am I missing that once I have I won't want to live without. For around $50. [more inside]posted by TooFewShoes at 5:46 PM PST - 32 comments

I recall seeing a music video with a computer animated smiling man running at a constant pace to the music. That was it. He encounters other people along the way, but he keeps on running, smiling. It would have been made no later than the summer of 2002. What was it? posted by Busoni at 5:38 PM PST - 5 comments

Where or where can I find a heavy wool herringbone vest? I am talking about something I could chop wood in and just as easily drop by the office.
My dream vest would also have heavy leather buttons. Harris tweed would work. Any advice on where to look? posted by ghostpony at 5:27 PM PST - 13 comments

What kind of resources -- blogs, online communities, etc. -- are out there for a woman who is trying to wean herself from anti-depressants, in hopes of getting pregnant? [more inside]posted by palliser at 4:46 PM PST - 8 comments

I once used a web-based spreadsheet tool that let me copy data from pretty much any webpage into a properly formated spreadsheet. Upon pasting an entire page worth of HTML-formatted search results, for example, it prompted me for the desired cell arrangement in the spreadsheet and applied it to the entire set of data. I can't remember what it was called, I can't seem to google the right terms and this will save me (not to mention my employer) countless hours copying and pasting data this week and next. Alternatively if you have another solution, please share. posted by reeddavid at 2:54 PM PST - 10 comments

My girlfriend has serious bipolar disorder. I love her, but living with her is very, very difficult. She breaks down all the time. I don't know if I should commit to a life with her, and deal with this into perpetuity, or if I should move on and try to find someone better adjusted, leaving love for peace and stability. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 2:54 PM PST - 26 comments

I'm starting up a textbook digitization business on campus which converts physical textbooks into PDFs: Is the legal grey area that this falls into more of a legal deathwish? [more inside]posted by gacxllr9 at 2:22 PM PST - 25 comments

I want to make a signature cocktail for my NYE party that reflects the "aughts" or whatever the heck we're calling this decade that's coming to a close. [more inside]posted by slow graffiti at 2:18 PM PST - 18 comments

I'm want to cut back on my weight training, but I'm not sure how best to do it. Is there a good once-a-week casual approach to weight lifting? [more inside]posted by croutonsupafreak at 2:00 PM PST - 17 comments

We (girlfriend and I, ages 24 and 26, respectively) are looking to go on vacation late this spring (around May, though we could change the timeframe if there were specific events to go see) and would like suggestions. We would like to spend no more than $4000 on this trip but can swing $5000. If we were to travel later, after we receive our bonuses at the end of May, we could spend $6000, but really would prefer not to. We can both take up to three weeks off from work, though we are thinking 10-14 days is plenty long enough. We will be leaving from NYC, so any local airports will do in terms of departure, but where should we go? [more inside]posted by Brian Puccio at 12:49 PM PST - 22 comments

Hello, Vancouver! I will be in your city this weekend, and am looking for fun things to do and awesome places to hang out. I'm thinking of arriving New Years Day and leaving Saturday afternoon, but if there are fun things to do NYE, I would love to spend NYE there. [more inside]posted by Afroblanco at 12:48 PM PST - 6 comments

Is there an app for Macs that will allow me access to my Twitter, Facebook and MySpace feeds all at once INCLUDING the Facebook and MySpace instant messaging chatting with online friends? I've been using Tweetdeck which is awesome, but I would like the added feature of being able to chat directly with my online friends via the chat client. posted by stlboi at 12:42 PM PST - 6 comments

What are the most depressing sitcom episodes ever? I'm looking for specific eps please, not a snarky blanket statement like "Every episode of (insert unfunny sitcom name here)." Also, I'm not talking about serious episodes (a/k/a Very Special Episodes), as those are usually trying to teach a lesson and rely more on gravity than pathos. I'm looking for tearjerker episodes of shows that are usually humorous. Thanks! [more inside]posted by ktoad at 12:39 PM PST - 112 comments

Where can I find LARGE pho or noodle soup bowls? I mean the ones that they use to serve the stuff in authentic noodle shops/pho shops? I've looked everywhere - including my local asian grocers and restaurant supply stores. All they have are 28oz bowls or little bowls with chopstick holders. I'm looking for a bowl big enough for 2 or more people -- but NOT a salad bowl. I'm located in Northern NJ. posted by starsixnine00 at 11:46 AM PST - 7 comments

When you were working on your first big successful side project, what type of work were you doing to pay the bills? Please explain the difference in the types of work you did "at work" and while working "on your project". [more inside]posted by parallax7d at 11:37 AM PST - 6 comments

Daughter claims to want to go live with Dad. I'm worried that resisting this change will hurt our relationship and cause her to want to be with Dad even more.
Or should I fight for what I believe is in her best interest? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 11:31 AM PST - 48 comments

Querying MetaFilterers with retinal problems... I am experiencing a new symptom/effect of Pathological Myopia/Macular Degeneration. Are any of you seeing what I am seeing? Description follows. [more inside]posted by Oireachtac at 11:28 AM PST - 6 comments

I am curious about karaoke musicians. What I mean by that is that I have noticed that a lot of karaoke music are re-creations of the original recordings. I am interested in the business, process, and culture of the musicians who re-create that music. We often get articles from reporters "embedded" in the entourage of a popular touring band - I was hoping that someone might recommend a feature article or book about the lives of these *ahem* unsung musicians. Thanks! posted by Sully at 11:27 AM PST - 3 comments

Has anyone purchased suits from indochino.com or any other online bespoke/made-to-measure outfits? How did you like them? How did they hold up? posted by the christopher hundreds at 11:21 AM PST - 4 comments

A friend has just given me a Magellan GPS 310 (hand-held unit). It's a few years old, powers up OK, but shows me as approximately 200 miles from my current location. Is there anything I can do? [more inside]posted by BrokenEnglish at 11:19 AM PST - 8 comments

Should I lock in interest rates now for a home mortgage or hope they dip soon? A complication to make this extra nailbiting. Mefites, I need your collective powers of forecasting.... [more inside]posted by thisperon at 11:07 AM PST - 11 comments

A friend of mine once enjoyed pork-and-tofu brats. The flavor was wonderful. The only difference between standard brats and these was not getting the squirt of greese when you bite into them. But the company stopped making them. I'm looking for a good substitute. [more inside]posted by davereed at 10:57 AM PST - 0 comments

On my new canon rebel xsi, in aperture priority mode the camera won't let me open the aperture past 5.0, how do I fix this or is there something wrong with my camera? [more inside]posted by kylej at 10:57 AM PST - 6 comments

I got a new slow cooker for Christmas. I only know three maneuvers for using it though: Chili, Roast/Stew, and Meatballs. Any chicken or turkey recipes out there? Can I make casseroles inside it? [more inside]posted by royalsong at 10:32 AM PST - 26 comments

So my Nivea Energizing Face Scrub has been plasticizing the ocean. This won't do. Can you recommend a greener (yet still exfoliating) alternative for men with "average" skin? posted by entropicamericana at 10:20 AM PST - 22 comments

My grandmother was adopted in Roseau, MN, in April of 1921 at the age of 6 months. On October 13, 1920, she was born, and given into the care of the Lutheran Children's Home Society of Minneapolis. I've found the new name of this organization, and I have the proper forms to fill out to find her original birth certificate. I still worry, however, that this won't go too far. [more inside]posted by thanotopsis at 10:11 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm throwing a New Year's Eve party in NYC this year. To try and address some of the complaints from last year, we've added an extra bar, currently described to guests as a "mystery bar" as we were still deciding what to serve at this "side" bar. [more inside]posted by arm426 at 10:08 AM PST - 18 comments

Foundation work has caused a number of problems, how do I triage? Issues include cracked/buckled drywall in walls and ceilings, misaligned doorframes, gaps in shower stall tile, and cracked/separated bathroom floor tiles. [more inside]posted by restless_nomad at 9:14 AM PST - 12 comments

Friends, Romans, Crooklynites: I heard the first terrifying sound from my 2005 Prius this morning, and it reminded me that I've been meaning to ask you for mechanic recommendations. I drove out to SF over the summer, and before I drove back I had my car looked at at Art's Automotive in Berkeley. I had a great experience, and I refuse to go back to the level of "care" I was formerly accustomed to here. I know the likelihood of a hybrid-friendly repair shop is slimmer here in the Big Easty, but I wonder if you might be able to refer me to a mechanic in Brooklyn (or thereabouts) with whom I can entrust my Prius. [more inside]posted by thejoshu at 8:53 AM PST - 4 comments

Unemployed, no other debt, currently making interest-only payments on school loans - what can I do to make this feel less looming over my life? [more inside]posted by monkeyagent at 8:51 AM PST - 14 comments

TroubleshootingFilter: Can anyone help me troubleshoot Okawix (an offline Wikipedia reader) on the Mac, or as a last resort, recommend me a different offline Wikipedia reader? [more inside]posted by sdis at 8:37 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm interested in attending one of the upcoming Met Opera HD live events at a local movie theater, probably for one of the Saturday Matinees in Savannah, GA. Does anyone have any experiences with this? Are there English subtitles? Is the audience etiquette generally better, worse, or about the same as a movie? Or are we likely to be two people among a dozen opera buffs?
It's been years since I've seen an opera, and that was usually in the $12 seats in the third balcony. posted by KirkJobSluder at 8:29 AM PST - 12 comments

After twenty-something years without an ADHD diagnosis, I started taking Adderall XR about a year ago and it completely turned everything around with zero side effects. Now I live in a country where I can't get it (drug laws). The only medication available is Ritalin, but Ritalin makes me feel like crap and I doubt I could take it long-term.
So then, how does one deal with adult ADHD without drugs, especially if they've already had such spectacular success with them? I know YANMD, but even if I could find a decent English-speaking psychiatrist here I get the feeling ADHD isn't something that's taken very seriously outside the West. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 8:28 AM PST - 9 comments

MovieFilter: I recently watched and enjoyed the film All the Real Girls. Specifically, I seem to enjoy movies that are: slow, subtle, somewhat funny, southern, romantic and a bit long. Any suggestions for more things to fit this bill, or does this one movie meet all of my needs in a way that no other can? Hopefully helpful side note: I saw Up In The Air tonight, and also enjoyed it, mainly for the same sense of calm and subtlety I liked in ATRG. posted by broadway bill at 12:16 AM PST - 26 comments

Whenever I wake up in the middle of the night and drink a glass of water, I always wake up with a foul taste in my mouth. Why is this? [more inside]posted by FusiveResonance at 9:26 PM PST - 13 comments

Nothing gets on my nerves more than: "How are you? Good, how are you?" What witty/sarcastic/caustic/surprising/offhand/offbeat/jarring or otherwise out of the ordinary quip can I use to respond to the perpetual query, "How are you?" [more inside]posted by yoyoceramic at 8:43 PM PST - 113 comments

I am looking for the name of an artist that had a studio in NYC during 9/11. Their paintings were huge (7 to 10 feet high min) with a planet or part of a planet with great surface detail and high contrast - black or very dark background. The works were stunning. [more inside]posted by inquisitrix at 8:27 PM PST - 2 comments

Flash sound stopped working in both IE and firefox. I'm using windows 7.
This has been driving me crazy for the last week - I think, somewhere along the line, I was running a few anti-malware apps and something may have gotten deleted. There's no sound whatsoever from any kind of flash, be it youtube, lastfm, or a web ad. [more inside]posted by brocklanders at 8:02 PM PST - 9 comments

My boyfriend has always been a bit apprehensive about flying before, but he's taking his first flight (transatlantic) to see me in a little over a month. Yay! I want to send him a care package full of things that will keep him comfortable and relaxed (especially the latter) during the flight. I have a few ideas for keeping him comfortable (but would like more) and virtually none for keeping him relaxed. What should I include? [more inside]posted by bibliophibianj at 7:30 PM PST - 31 comments

What are the outstanding Chicago restaurants specializing in seasonal & local food and/or charcuterie for the broke-ass epicure? I'm planning a special birthday dinner at the end of the month. I'd like to spend $30-$40 for two people before drinks and a tip, so while I'm not going to settle for a Vienna Beef, I'm not exactly ready to book reservations at Alinea. [more inside]posted by Juliet Banana at 6:48 PM PST - 17 comments

Do you know of any good online Buddhist discussion forums? I used to frequent e-sangha, but it's been down for some time. I prefer that it be diverse or at least inclusive of Zen. posted by desjardins at 6:15 PM PST - 3 comments

Where have you found good long streaming/mp3 sources for nature sounds, like rainfall or oceans or crickets? This question was asked and partially answered before (in 2005 and again in 2006) but here we are almost in 2010 so I figure there must be some new stuff out there. [more inside]posted by math at 5:37 PM PST - 8 comments

Pepperidge Farm used to sell Brownie Chocolate Nut cookies. It has been years since I have been able to find them. They were on the crispy side and had a very nice chocolately nutty taste. Anyone know of a similar recipe for cookies like those. posted by cellar at 5:10 PM PST - 1 comment

What kind of non-sales work or career can I transition to which would allow me to travel between the U.S. and Europe? The story and more below... [more inside]posted by postergeist at 4:41 PM PST - 9 comments

I purchased this quad-band pay-as-you-go cell phone in Portugal. Will it work in the United States? Is there a way to check if it's unlocked? [more inside]posted by Josh Coe at 4:30 PM PST - 4 comments

Suggestions for good (local, not just online) multiplayer games for the PS3? Other non-gamer friendly suggestions welcome as well. (Two similar questions, but both are 2+ years old.) [more inside]posted by entropic at 4:08 PM PST - 9 comments

You are not my CPA but I need advice! I make too much money to contribute to a Roth IRA but I hear the rules are changing. How can I take advantage of this in 2010? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 4:01 PM PST - 3 comments

Know of any good card game software with computer bridge players who know how to bid? My mom plays Hoyle Card Games 2008 on Windows XP and is eternally frustrated with the choices her electronic partners make. [more inside]posted by marble at 3:57 PM PST - 6 comments

All my life I've had this problem when doing any sort of cardio activity: my throat can stand my breathing for about 15 seconds before it starts to burn like hell. I've tried breathing differently, asking for medical advice, drinking various beverages before/during/after working out... nothing. It's happened when I've been in better shape and when I'm a lazy slob. So I avoid cardio, which I have always desperately needed. How can I overcome this and work out pain-free? [more inside]posted by Madamina at 2:21 PM PST - 16 comments

My boyfriend and I spent a lovely afternoon this Christmas riding around his old neighborhood on his mom and stepdad's bikes, and would now like bikes of our own. We'd basically just be riding around the neighborhood or occasionally on bike trails, and would like to spend under $250 each, if possible. Any recommendations? [more inside]posted by odayoday at 2:00 PM PST - 19 comments

"In 1971, [the Pentagon proposed] to President Nixon that an electronic gadget be attached to every television set in the country. Capable of being activated directly by the president, it would switch on every set in the country at once." Really? [more inside]posted by CutaneousRabbit at 1:10 PM PST - 6 comments

I need gift ideas for a couple expecting their first child. I'd prefer that it be something pregnancy-related (they averred that this is what they'd like) that they can enjoy together. They're still in their first trimester, and very excited. What are some creative or not-often-thought-of handy items to have while gestating? posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 12:37 PM PST - 16 comments

I need to download all the documents in the Document Library, while preserving the original file names. (I notice that when you use "Export", the files are compressed and renamed.) Please point me in the right direction. If anybody has a shell script, please post it here.
Thanks! posted by TyGrrBalm at 12:01 PM PST - 0 comments

Sick, maybe dying kitty filter:Our geriatric (15 year old) kitty had a UTI last week. Since we found her showing the symptoms after we came home from work and our vet had closed, we took her to the emergency animal hospital. [more inside]posted by bearwife at 11:53 AM PST - 25 comments

Going to Soldier Field for the first time tonight to watch the Bears play the Vikings. I've been regaled with stories of spilled beer freezing solid before it hits the ground. So, I'm wondering if anyone has ideas on how to stay warm while being stationary for a good period of time, outdoors, in sub-zero temperatures. posted by print at 11:37 AM PST - 14 comments

Long story short, my boyfriend managed to get superglue on one of the lenses of his glasses and it had time to set overnight, and has had no success getting it off with rubbing alcohol or peroxide. He's wary of trying to scrape it off so as not to damage the lens and would like to avoid having to replace the glasses since his prescription is pretty expensive. The frames are plastic so I don't think it'd be much of a problem to have the glasses soak in a solution. Do you guys have any suggestions for a safe-as-possible way to remove the glue without damaging the lens too much, or at least a way to loosen it so that it doesn't involve too much scraping? (Would Goo Gone work on superglue that's on glass?) Or is he pretty much screwed and will need the lens replaced? posted by runaway ballista at 9:12 AM PST - 18 comments

I want to spend a while (1-4 months?) wandering around China-- specifically, central/western China.. I speak Mandarin, and I've lived in Beijing before. Where should I go? [more inside]posted by acidic at 8:30 AM PST - 14 comments

Does anyone have the exact location (coordinates) of Qishlak Afshona, just north of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, birthplace of ibn-Sina (aka Avicenna)? Or an awesome source of high-detail maps? [more inside]posted by aqsakal at 7:59 AM PST - 10 comments

A short while ago I saw an ad on Toronto subways, probably put up by the city, about a program where they come into your apartment and remove an unwanted fridge. I visited the site for it but didn't bookmark it and now I can't find it and have an extra fridge in my living room. It is not this site, but was one where you fill in a form and submit and they set up an appt to come by. Anyone know the site? posted by You Should See the Other Guy at 7:37 AM PST - 4 comments

Is the chest pain I've been experiencing directly related to stress and anxiety? If so, how can I alleviate some of the discomfort and put my mind at ease? [more inside]posted by Tenacious.Me.Tokyo at 7:20 AM PST - 20 comments

How does one successfully publish biography? I'm fascinated by the life of a certain (long-since-dead) American political figure and it appears that he has not yet been given a full treatment by historians. I'm not an academic or a journalist - just a lawyer under the delusion that he can do a good job at something like this. posted by Saucy Intruder at 5:42 AM PST - 6 comments

Laptop hard drive filter: I'm in the market for a new hard drive for my laptop, and I want to get the best one my computer can handle. My computer seems to have a 1.5 Gb/s SATA interface; will it be able to handle a 3 Gb/s SATA interface hard drive? [more inside]posted by Ephilation at 4:39 AM PST - 5 comments

Premature Demise Filter: What TV shows, similar to Arrested Development, are excellent -- brilliant, even -- but were terminated seasons short of fruition? And, more importantly, why should I watch them? [more inside]posted by the NATURAL at 3:29 AM PST - 62 comments

I'm itchy at night. I'm worried that my apartment is infested with some sort of parasite. I'm moving in the next few days. How should I proceed? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 12:55 AM PST - 12 comments

December 27

I'm about to buy a Sony Vaio for my sister. However, I hate bloatware and want to start her off with a fresh clean install. How do I do it? [more inside]posted by InvestorMD at 11:28 PM PST - 15 comments

I moved into a house with some friends in Los Angeles California, we all split the deposit (shared was $700 each), things got weird and I moved out with the person moving into my room agreeing to pay my share of the deposit. That was a year ago and promises of "in the fall" have now gone silent. What do I do now? [more inside]posted by wcfields at 10:32 PM PST - 7 comments

I have cycles of creativity. The more stress or responsibility in my life the harder it is to achieve those creative places in my mind. I am looking for unusual, insightful and helpful ways to rekindle my creativity, in spite of any real or self made diversity I'm experiencing. Please don't hold back with your suggestions, I have personal projects and goals that require this passion and creativity, help! posted by gypseefire at 8:36 PM PST - 23 comments

Another "what book is this" query relating to a sci-fi book from the late 80s/early 90s concerning a society wherein the sexes live in different compounds and the males engage in ultra-violent rituals and war-type activities. [more inside]posted by notcomputersavvy06 at 8:00 PM PST - 8 comments

I have a 2006 Honda Pilot, and noticed that my right headlight went out. Each headlight is comprised of two headlights, a top and bottom one. The top one seems to be working, but the bottom one is out. The top bulb is easy to replace, but the bottom one is a little bit more tricky, as there doesn't seem to be an easy way to remove it. Can anyone point me to a schematic or something? I think the replacement bulb size is H11, I just don' t understand how to replace the lower bulb. posted by GatorFan2000 at 5:36 PM PST - 6 comments

What am I doing wrong? I am 25 and HAVE NEVER GONE ON A DATE. I have always been attracted to women only, and I am funny, intelligent, and reasonably good looking. I make friends easily, but I don't know how to ask people out, and I've only been asked out by weird guys [more inside]posted by anonymous at 4:59 PM PST - 17 comments

I am not renewing my MobileMe account this year and I am in the process of switching over the email address for everything attached to it. The only sticking point? My Apple ID is currently tied to my MobileMe account, so anything I have purchased from the iTunes store is tied to that account. How do I change this? I tried just logging into Apple's My Info site, but you can't change you ID if it's tied to a MobileMe account. Do I need to create a new account and transfer everything over to that somehow? (Can you do that?) Or is there some obscure and Apple-obfuscated way of actually making this change? posted by smallerdemon at 4:53 PM PST - 2 comments

My friend's two year old daughter passed away suddenly last January. I am planning to send flowers on the anniversary of her passing. But before doing so, I wanted to make sure this is an appropriate gesture to mark the day. If yes- should the flowers be lilies? What kind of lilies? If not lilies, what other flowers are appropriate?
If it matters, they live in another state, and I sent a donation to their designated charity on the child's birthday, along with a note.
thank you posted by mrmarley at 4:42 PM PST - 47 comments

With hundreds of years of accumulated data on how economies 'work' available for analysis, how is it possible that it is still unclear (it seems) whether or not - and to what extent - a government should boost an economy that is in a slowdown? [more inside]posted by woodblock100 at 4:17 PM PST - 23 comments

Does anyone have any experience bringing a car to New Zealand from Australia? I'm particularly interested in how rigorous the inspection will be. [more inside]posted by twirlypen at 2:52 PM PST - 6 comments

I'd like to find an on-line community where I can publish a public log of a January fitness kick - healthy eating, workouts and so on. [more inside]posted by aTrumpetandaDream at 2:45 PM PST - 14 comments

OK Hive mind, here is something that has been inexplicably on my nerves for years. I want to come up with a new word, one that describes the act of completing a crossword puzzle by basically acing the thing, going through all the across clues in one shot, zip zap boom, and dropping the smoking remains of your pen on the table as you go and celebrate your inner dorkdom.
The only things that pop into my head are "Murphy", and "Kissmyfreakinaasswilshortz". Your suggestions, objections, and insults are appreciated. Anyway....if anyone knows a 13 letter word for...oh nevermind.
Bonus: Five bucks says we can get it into a dictionary in the next ten years. posted by timsteil at 1:40 PM PST - 36 comments

Where can me and my boyfriend go for a weekend break within 2 hours (or so) drive from London (UK) that has a big bath, a hot tub, or similar. [more inside]posted by Neonshock at 1:26 PM PST - 4 comments

Best places to rent ski/snowboarding equipment in Ruidoso? My GF and I are going skiing/snowboarding at Ski Apache in a couple days. Any recommendations on where to rent gear? We need boots, skiis, poles, and a snowboard. posted by crookedgrin at 12:44 PM PST - 1 comment

Anyone have any interesting medical or health-related rental ideas? I'm interested in starting a local rental business, and am researching ideas. Considering people are living longer, with more conditions and disability, any interesting ideas for a rental business? posted by pallen123 at 10:26 AM PST - 12 comments

Movies, movies everywhere, don't know what to think - There are so many ways to get virtually any movie in the world. But the problem is, how do I know WHICH movies I want to see? I really don't want to waste (too much) time and money downloading or renting movies I turn out not to like. [more inside]posted by DMelanogaster at 7:52 AM PST - 26 comments

I'm starting a 3 month research project in a neuroscience lab as part of my Masters program. What should I know/do in order to make it go as smoothly as possible? [more inside]posted by snoogles at 6:43 AM PST - 15 comments

Is there a word to describe suddenly becoming aware of a new word? You learn a new word, and suddenly you see that word everywhere. Or you have a new experience, and suddenly it seems the media is filled with other people talking about that same experience. Is there a word for this phenomenon? (previously) [more inside]posted by MrBCID at 10:22 PM PST - 19 comments

Heard some strange radio interference Christmas day, wondered if a hypothesis is correct in relating it to the local 'terror' attempt at DTW??? [more inside]posted by JoeXIII007 at 10:05 PM PST - 17 comments

How can I pick which iPhone apps appear on the 11 'home' screens? I have an iPhone 3gs, running iPhone 3.1.2. I have about 20 more apps installed than will fit on the 11 screens. I know that rearranging apps in iTunes 9.0.2 is supposed to be possible, but nothing happens when I try to drag the icons in the Applications tab in iTunes. Thanks! posted by lukemeister at 9:34 PM PST - 12 comments

My Ubuntu laptop is unresponsive within the first 20 seconds after resume from suspend. I think the culprit is Flash (npviewer.bin), since it is shown as using 80%+ of CPU. How can I work around this? [more inside]posted by lwf at 7:33 PM PST - 3 comments

Swapping my laptop for a desktop and monitor instead of selling? My plans have changed, and my laptop and furniture are not working together well and causing me pain. [more inside]posted by StrikeTheViol at 6:37 PM PST - 5 comments

I love music and over the past few years have taught myself to be pretty good as a ukulele player. I'd love to get involved with a band--old-time jazz, dixieland stuff--and really learn how to make music with others. But all I know is how to play by myself. I don't know how bands work in the slightest, nor how to find others who are better than me but willing to let me "play along." How do I get started getting started? Thanks! posted by largecorp at 2:50 PM PST - 7 comments

IdiotFilter: I booked a Priceline hotel with the wrong region selected. Should I eat it and book somewhere else? Or will it work for New Year's Eve? [more inside]posted by disillusioned at 2:30 PM PST - 8 comments

Anyone else encountering difficulties using Netflix streaming on their PS3? I re-joined Netflix after a long hiatus so I could take advantage of PS3 streaming, but it's been a very bumpy ride and hasn't worked in over a week. [more inside]posted by porn in the woods at 1:55 PM PST - 12 comments

My father says that a decline in morals and standards is a particularly modern occurrence. What argument, quotes or sources can I use to persuade him that people have been complaining of societal decline for thousands of years? [more inside]posted by Petrot at 1:32 PM PST - 43 comments

Advice needed for purchasing and using a pair of forearm crutches, and how to deal better, functionally and emotionally, with what I guess could be termed a minor disability. [more inside]posted by moira at 1:08 PM PST - 25 comments

I'm looking for any information about observation towers like these. They make appearances at Burning Man and other such places. Is there a name for this type of tower? Do any instructions exist for building your own? [more inside]posted by daboo at 12:36 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm typesetting a book with some music notation in it. There are several references to 3/4 and 4/4 time, which I had set in nifty opentype fractions; however, the editor and I are unsure of whether or not this refers to "four-four" or "four-fourths" time - and this is one of the few things that Chicago doesn't address. So, designers and readers: what do you think? 4/4, using lining numerals, or a 4/4 fraction? posted by luriete at 12:29 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for a nice hotel on the ocean that's less than 2 hours from Boca Raton for a romantic new years getaway with my girlfriend, my google-fu has failed me. any recommendations? [more inside]posted by Edible Energy at 11:54 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm being offered an iPhone for the same price as an iPod Touch, which I've been planning to get; which one should I get? What's the difference? Also, I may be switching from AT&T to T-Mobile soon; if I do, will I be able to use the unlocked iPhone without incurring charges for the internet like AT&T does automatically? [more inside]posted by hotdiggitydog at 10:58 AM PST - 18 comments

I am in the US. How can I order champagne (preferably in a package with some nifty glasses) from a French vineyard, for delivery to an address near York, England? posted by John Borrowman at 9:12 AM PST - 4 comments

I just picked up 4 GB of DDR2 800 RAM to upgrade my computer. It already has 2 GB of DDR2 533. Should I get rid of the old RAM and just use the new, or should I install all of it? [more inside]posted by suburbanrobot at 8:55 AM PST - 7 comments

Mission of Mercy Filter: How can I find sources of cheery personal mail for my lonely elder Alzheimer's patient?
I live with my mother-in-law who has middle stage Alzheimer's. She does a lot of sitting and staring. She has no attention span for books or magazines or TV. She lights up for visitors, dessert, church... and personal mail.
I am looking for a service that arranges (basically, one-directional) "pen-pals" for elder shut-ins. She has just enough means to assure her basic care, but not much for extras. This would have to be a volunteer service like a charity or ministry. [more inside]posted by cross_impact at 7:37 AM PST - 53 comments

I have 60 to 100 magazines. I want to scan them all completely and then use OCR software so that they would be searchable. I am looking for recommendations on the scanner I should use, as well as the OCR software. I have a flatbed scanner, so with good software, I could probably take the time to do it, but a scanner that would let me feed in several pages at a time would be best. WinXP is the OS of my computer. Ideally, I would want to spend no more then $300, with $500 as an absolute max. posted by Mr.X at 7:32 AM PST - 9 comments

My wife and two boys, 11 and 12 will be staying one day in Denver in the latter part of March and would like suggestions on how to pass the day. We will be spending the night at the Sheraton at 1550 Court Place and will not have a car so walking friendly advice would be appreciated. posted by markskud at 6:09 AM PST - 5 comments

PopulationGeneticsFilter: You are designing a space-ship to bring X number of humans to a new planet to populate it. No more ships will be arriving. What is the minimum number for X to avoid excessive genetic abnormalities resulting from inbreeding? Bonus points for optimum male/female ratio! posted by zachawry at 12:48 AM PST - 15 comments

December 25

Mainly to settle an argument: what is your best estimate on what it would cost for 2 North American adults in their 30s to spend about 6 - 8 weeks traveling through Eastern Europe? They say $10,000. I say - that's ridiculous. [more inside]posted by kitcat at 10:27 PM PST - 13 comments

Where can I listen to Japanese train and bus station melodies and onboard announcements, preferably without installing RealPlayer? My previous go-to archive is 404ing. My Japanese is mediocre but good enough to help me navigate sites. posted by avocet at 8:38 PM PST - 6 comments

What would be involved in building a driveway / basement-level garage for a house in Seattle, WA with respect to zoning, estimated costs, etc.? Specifically, it would be for a house that currently has on-street, city-zoned parking only. posted by Blazecock Pileon at 7:42 PM PST - 5 comments

stupidquestionfilter: I buy those foil muffin liners to use when I bake muffins. They always come with paper liners in between. Are those supposed to be discarded, or are they actually supposed to be lining the foil when I put the batter in? [more inside]posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 7:24 PM PST - 22 comments

I've got a large collection of (mostly electric/electronic) instruments, and even some people to play them. The one hole in my musical setup is recording. I'm a wind instrumentalist originally, so I know little of the ways of preamps and what have you. Help me get started recording on my computer! Instrumentation details inside. [more inside]posted by DoubleMark at 6:30 PM PST - 7 comments

I have a problem with a broken Christmas promise. My girlfriend and I agreed that since money was tight, we would not buy gifts for each other. We would purchase gifts for family. Children, parents, siblings. But we would only buy for others. Not for us.
Then my girlfriend bought me an iPod Touch.
While I certainly love the gift I feel that I should now buy her something, even though she insists that I do not.
I'm thinking that since the agreement was broken (granted with love) I have the right to purchase her a gift. (With love)
But OTOH, would that be loving, or tit for tat?
Am I overthinking this? Is it a given that I get her a gift? Or should I just accept my gift and leave it alone, and in my mind maybe be missing some signal of some sort?
While money is tight, it isn't so bad that I couldn't get her something. It doesn't have to be the same amount, but I'd feel like crap if I didn't get her a gift now. Help! posted by Splunge at 6:29 PM PST - 52 comments

Which Xbox 360 games allow you to connect and play multiplayer online with one Live account, but with multiple local participants playing split-screen? For example, Halo 3 has this feature. Do any other games have this feature - or even allow you to connect and play with two valid Live accounts? posted by kuperman at 5:31 PM PST - 10 comments

When did you have a great interaction with technical support, and what did the technician do to make the experience better? In-person encounters preferred, but call-ins also welcomed. [more inside]posted by d. z. wang at 4:31 PM PST - 23 comments

Times are tough, and I am looking for part-time employment. I have been doing freelance video work for the past 3 years. How do I reflect this on my resume and what do I say in a job interview? Has anyone had a similar problem? Any tips so I sound professional and not like I've been slacking off? posted by OrangeSoda at 4:25 PM PST - 3 comments

Finding a new laptop is making my head spin. I'm finding a lot of advice for "gamers" and "people who only do email and Word docs" or "people who need a mobile video editing suite" but I'm in the middle of the spectrum - the heaviest duty stuff I use is graphics programs like Flash and Photoshop and I don't do video games. I'm finding lot of bad reviews and stuff that says "Great all around except for the graphics". How am I going to make sure I find a laptop that does everything I need and lasts for years and years? [more inside]posted by amethysts at 4:16 PM PST - 18 comments

I want to see a dermatologist. I'm living in Canada on my wife's UHIP plan. The doctor I've been seeing at the clinic is away until mid January. He'd likely just refer me then, anyway. Is there any way I can make this happen ASAP, or do I need to wait? [more inside]posted by setanor at 3:20 PM PST - 5 comments

My husband's parents will visit us in the US in February and we need to plan a 5-7 day trip for the four of us. Their first idea was Vegas, but they prefer some place they don't know yet. Suggestions? [more inside]posted by Opal at 9:53 AM PST - 10 comments

Dad's a consultant, and travels constantly for work. Work provides a laptop, but won't let him install iTunes. Is there a way to get music & audiobooks to synch to his ipod through an external drive, or cloud computing or something? Doesn't have to be iTunes, just a way to connect my dad and his music without offending corporate IT. posted by Caravantea at 9:30 AM PST - 15 comments

A friend of mine had a broken condom last night, and needs to get hold of Plan B. She's in Washington, DC. Planned Parenthood's closed, as are all the pharmacies she's tried. [more inside]posted by Tomorrowful at 8:34 AM PST - 12 comments

7 friends and I are going on a road trip. At restaurants we usually have one person pay by credit card, and have everyone paying for what they ordered to the individual. Oh, and not everyone is gonna be at every event, so having one individual pay for everything on the trip is impossible. And it should redistribute debts so at most each person only needs to make 1 payment to another person. What is the best free method for calculating who pays whom? [more inside]posted by jytsai at 7:44 AM PST - 18 comments

Are there any quiet, leafy parks not so far away from Sydney CBD area?
I'd like to be able to go there via bus/train in 30mins at most to go for a walk and chill out. posted by neworder7 at 3:20 AM PST - 6 comments

Why (and what) is my iPhone transmitting while switched off? My (Australian bought, legitimately carrier-unlocked, T-Mobile-SIM'd) iPhone 3GS is switched off (hold down top button, swipe red switch on screen) but connected to wall power and sitting on top of a poorly shielded computer speaker. Almost exactly at 5:00am it uttered the characteristic "dit dit de-dit dit de-dit dit de-dit" of a GSM phone chatting to a cell tower.
I switched it off ffs, the GSM radio shouldn't be active! What is it sending to the tower and why? [more inside]posted by m1ndsurfer at 2:34 AM PST - 12 comments

My roommate is going to be in Tanzania for 6 months to work with a local NGO. I would like to give him something small he can take with him before he leaves in January. What useful item will he be without access to then that I can give to him now? [more inside]posted by bradly at 2:28 AM PST - 11 comments

Where can I read Matt Groening's comic strip Life in Hell (which has been retitled Life is Swell) online? Are there any regularly updated web pages featuring this strip? Any advice on how I can follow this strip would be appreciated! posted by surenoproblem at 2:23 AM PST - 2 comments

Xmas cooking emergency: Need a recipe out of the *new* Lee Brothers cookbook, titled Simple Fresh Southern. Have the ingredients for pork/figs/madeira with me but forgot to bring the book, and I can't find the recipe online. Can anyone help? Many thanks in advance! posted by mccxxiii at 7:54 PM PST - 2 comments

In a lot of movies, large fighter jets and other aerial battle vehicles are destroyed by using just a small explosive to their air vents. Are fighter jets in real life so vulnerable that even a hand grenade can bring them down? posted by zain at 4:22 PM PST - 19 comments

At my gmail sign-on using Firefox, I could type the first initial in my email name and it would drop down where I could click on my email name and automatically insert it (then password). It stopped doing that and I have been messing with Firefox autofill and that seems mainly for filling out forms. Yes, I am sure this is an easy thing for someone (me) to fix but for some reason it is stumping me. My wife and I liked the utter simplicity on our home computer of this function. Can you help?
Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all MeFi users posted by snap_dragon at 1:05 PM PST - 7 comments

Is there some software out there that can turn my netbook into relatively passive display device for news, weather, email alerts, etc? And look good doing it? [more inside]posted by modernnomad at 1:02 PM PST - 9 comments

Hello, I'm wanting to get iPhone (or use my Blackberry Worldphone) in Korea and other countries; however, I do not know the best way to do this. From my understanding I would likely have to buy an unlocked phone and then get hooked up with a carrier on a pay-as-I-go plan or something? What do most nomads do for phones besides things like Skype? posted by Knigel at 12:47 PM PST - 3 comments

I want to inscribe a book of poetry with a short poem, one about new beginnings, new friendship, possibly new love - something romantic is fine, but I'd prefer something not overly sentimental.
Any suggestions? posted by archofatlas at 12:29 PM PST - 4 comments

Can Ask MeFi help me understand how cell phone unlocking works? I'm traveling to Europe and looking to use an old Motorola RAZR for making phone calls. [more inside]posted by carterscott at 12:18 PM PST - 4 comments

How to spend NYE in Redding, CA? More generally, what are great local, non-chain places to eat at in Redding, Mt. Lassen, and the Shasta Lake region? Any nice, "fine dining" options for NYE, or are we looking at just burgers and barbecue and the like? Good food more important than atmosphere, although if there's a suggestion for a nice romantic restaurant, I'm all ears. Also let me know if there's some trail or some sight or some activity we must do in the area. We'll be there from Dec. 29 to January 2nd and staying at a hotel in Redding. Thanks! posted by dhn at 12:15 PM PST - 4 comments

Does anyone know where I can find some CAD files of polyhedral dice? I would prefer if the little numbers where already etched into them if possible.
Any 3d format would work if I can convert them. posted by Bonzai at 11:41 AM PST - 6 comments

How to spend NYE in or around Montgomery, Alabama?
What's the best way to celebrate the new year in or within a reasonable drive of Montgomery? Mrs. D and me are roadtripping through the south this holiday season and will be in Montgomery on Dec 31. My Lonely Planet describes Montgomery as the arm-pit of America (seriously, it says that) so I'm fearful.
More detail and bonus credit questions inside. [more inside]posted by dismitree at 10:55 AM PST - 7 comments

Happy late December holidays! I have been fighting with this issue for what seems like forever. The crux: how can I get my Fedora box to "serve" desktops and applications to other machines, without the VNC hack? [more inside]posted by gjc at 10:29 AM PST - 2 comments

I would like to get a 14 year-old girl an amazing book. Something along the lines of "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" (which I have read) but I hesitate to introduce her to some of the extremely painful events in the book at her age. Would "All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes" be a good book? I have not read this one yet. Any other Angelou books I should look at? posted by occidental at 10:27 AM PST - 21 comments

One of my closest friends and I have been growing increasingly apart for the last couple of years. I am perfectly ok with this and understand that as people grow older relationships change. However, for the last year or so his behavior has grown increasingly intolerable and after a recent argument I am wondering if its worth just getting rid of the relationship altogether....Apologies in advance for the length of this post which includes facebook drama, jealous girlfriend and tales of extreme introversion. [more inside]posted by The1andonly at 9:44 AM PST - 11 comments

I socialize almost exclusively with friends who are politically liberal, spanning the spectrum from left-of-center progressive to the more radical fringe. Frequently, among ourselves, political conversation drifts inevitably toward variations on this theme:

"The history of our country has always proven liberalism correct and conservatism incorrect. The principles of those on the left have been validated over and over again, while those on the right have been proven wrong by the progress of history."

While I admit that this hypothesis is selfishly pleasing (I'm a liberal too, after all), it seems to me that it can't be completely true. But I don't have a strong enough grasp of American history to prove it wrong. So what am I missing? What have liberals been proven wrong about? [more inside]posted by AngerBoy at 9:24 AM PST - 64 comments

RGB color reference guide. I have just purchased an Epson R1900. I need to match pantone colors & fabric swatches to create artwork. So ideally I would like to print a color reference book of all it's possible RGB colors that I can refer to as a guide to match a color. Is there an "easy" way to do this from either Photoshop or preferably Illustrator? I am a mac user. I did find a multiRIP software but it seems to be only PC friendly. posted by sequin at 8:30 AM PST - 4 comments

DogBehaviourFilter: my 15 month old Lab has become addicted to humping other dogs. Keeps hopping up there, doesn't understand the "no" signals from the other dog. This needs to stop, please help! [more inside]posted by gwpcasey at 8:23 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm cooking an enormous standing rib roast for Christmas dinner. I expect to have a lot of leftovers. On Sunday I'm cooking a brunch. how can I use the leftover roast beef? [more inside]posted by bondcliff at 7:30 AM PST - 12 comments

I need a French translation for "World's Best Grandpa" but do not know French. My best candidate is "Le meilleur grand-père sur le monde" which I suspect is too formal, ungrammatical, or hopelessly wrong. I'm also stumbling over the sur/dans distinction and suspect there is likely an idiom which is just better in every way. This is intended to be embroidered on a pillow so brevity and informality are prized in that order. posted by fydfyd at 8:09 PM PST - 8 comments

I need a bowl for the remains of eaten food. My late grandfather used the term "Camposanto," meaning "graveyard" (Italian?), for the bowl into which you'd throw the shells or bones of animals you've just eaten (mussels, ribs etc). I want to get his daughter, my mom, a bowl that would live up to the name; something with crosses, or graves, or "in loving memory," or even better something with skeletons (especially of fish) on it, something ghostly (ghastly) or something equally pithy on it. Big enough for about 30+ mussel shells on it, and preferably something not too earnest. Perhaps something like this or this (but preferably bigger). [more inside]posted by omnigut at 7:47 PM PST - 10 comments

I have long, fine, mostly straight (female) hair that becomes dry, limp and majorly staticky during East Coast winters. My normal hair routine involves moisturizing shampoo, conditioner at the tips, volumizing mousse when my hair is wet, and blow drying upside down with a bristly brush. Sometimes I use some light hairspray to keep it in place. Initially it looks and feels great. But by the end of the day, it is totally dead and full of static. I keep a dryer sheet in my bag to smooth out the static throughout the day but this isn't much of a long-term solution and it doesn't fix the limpness. Advise me please? Any product suggestions? Thanks in advance! posted by blackcatcuriouser at 7:24 PM PST - 18 comments

Where can I find pashmina scarves in Montreal? Not the super-expensive ones, but the many-coloured, mass produced ones. I saw loads in Chinatown in Vancouver, and I am wondering where I can find similar ones here? posted by niccolo at 6:42 PM PST - 4 comments

My friend recently mentioned that he'd like to have a good (American English) etymology book. Can anyone suggest a good one? It can be simple and short or long and detailed, but I'd prefer to err on the side of long and detailed. posted by helixportland at 6:29 PM PST - 14 comments

Whilst looking to purchase an ergonomic keyboards like the Kinesis or Goldtouch keyboards they all seem to be in the US layout which is a bit of a problem as I'm used to the UK layout. [more inside]posted by nam3d at 5:54 PM PST - 5 comments

How long does a couple usually wait before announcing a pregnancy? My cousin's wife just miscarried after announcing the pregnancy about a month ago (she was just under 2 months along at the time). It is my understanding that until the third month or so it's not a sure deal as to whether the baby will stick, if you will. Cousin says he deeply regrets telling people now (he went so far as to announce his to-be daddy-ness on facebook) since he'll have to announce the miscarriage now too. Is there a social norm for how long to wait before telling the world? posted by kthxbi at 3:24 PM PST - 25 comments

[HomemadeCandyFilter] We made Chocolate-Almond Buttercrunch Toffee according to this recipe. The toffee part is great; the chocolate part appears to be a train wreck. [more inside]posted by DarlingBri at 1:53 PM PST - 13 comments

Mathematics / Statistics Filter: I have some pairs of numbers that are the result of a process. Given just that data set, and a rule that relates them, can you determine the integer values that could have resulted in those sets? [more inside]posted by intermod at 12:58 PM PST - 20 comments

PuppysocializationFilter: Im looking to socialize my 8 week old German shepherd by taking her to as many places as i can that allow dogs. I live in Sachse, Tx which is just outside of Dallas. Can you please tell me what stores/restaurants/etc...are dog friendly in the DFW/Sachse area? posted by flipmiester99 at 12:56 PM PST - 15 comments

Trying to remember a Dr. Seuss TV cartoon (or a Seuss-like one) which featured a baby and two grown-up creatures (probably male) who helped him imagine/decide what he might be when he grows up. This is not "Oh the Places You'll Go", it was on television perhaps in the 80's or 90's. Anyone? posted by mmf at 12:41 PM PST - 4 comments

What are the best documentaries about b-movies, fandoms, and weird or niche interests which often involve a widespread community, such as zombies? [more inside]posted by lhall at 12:00 PM PST - 22 comments

Does anybody have a recommendation for a printshop in the northwest United States that could print a large number of cmyk stickers with a custom diecut? The estimate I got from my usual vendor was crazy expensive. posted by Foam Pants at 11:03 AM PST - 5 comments

What are the foreign language equivalents to the TOEFL? I'm specifically looking for official tests where a qualifying score would, like the TOEFL, indicate that one's language ability is sufficient to study at a university in that country. For example, China has the HSK test. What would the equivalent test be in other languages? [more inside]posted by Joey Joe Joe Junior Shabadoo at 10:45 AM PST - 14 comments

Where can I buy Happy Feet slippers in or near Austin, TX? Alternatively, where can I buy other fun/novelty slippers for kids in or near Austin?[more inside]posted by sentient at 10:21 AM PST - 2 comments

Suppose an entrepreneur has 100k to 200k cash. He has some experience launching and marketing a small scale services firm, but has no financial background. He wants to use his 100/200k to start a new business venture. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:39 AM PST - 6 comments

Is political infighting/divisiveness worse now than ever or was it just as bad or worse previously - back when FDR was pushing through the New Deal, for example? posted by wsg at 9:26 AM PST - 13 comments

Is there a resource that lists and explains the various effects one can use to accessorized speech, such as altering pitch, speeding up, slowing down, etc.? [more inside]posted by grumblebee at 9:07 AM PST - 5 comments

I know this was previously discussed in two posts, but perhaps there are updates. I need photo management software that will allow me to view tags, updates and edits within an network. [more inside]posted by lifeonholidae at 8:27 AM PST - 4 comments

Posted for a friend: What's the best non-Geeksquad option for getting a plasma TV mounted/configured in or around Lake Forest, IL (just north of Chicago)? [more inside]posted by um_maverick at 8:13 AM PST - 5 comments

I received a letter from my new health insurance company stating "they have received a claim for an illness that could be related to a pre-existing condition." What now? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:20 AM PST - 7 comments

I have finally worked up enough nerve to try getting a brazilian wax. It's not the pain; it's the privacy issue. My appointment is booked. I've been to gynos etc. Why does this seem different? I just can't get past the idea that the waxers must think it's a yucky job. But then, I think to myself, why did they end up in that job? Do people actually LIKE waxing other people's genitals? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:20 AM PST - 26 comments

Does anyone know of any cool places to have a civil partnership in or around Cardiff, UK (or South Wales in general) as my current option may not be a possibility? [more inside]posted by Nufkin at 5:26 AM PST - 6 comments

What are simple and easy to do at home exercise regimens that will help burn off the weight without putting too much stress on a bad ankle? [more inside]posted by penguingrl at 4:26 AM PST - 17 comments

My Outlook deleted file is 17,000 messages. It runs off of a windows server for our organization
I understand that is not the best idea. But i find that i return to even deleted messages with great frequency.
What would be the best way to archive those messages so i can easily search them while improving the performance of outlook? posted by dougiedd at 10:21 PM PST - 17 comments

Looking for dieting help given several dietary restrictions. I have Crohn's disease and cannot comfortably eat most veggies and fruits. Also, does dieting automatically mean I need to be hungry all the time? [more inside]posted by gilsonal at 10:13 PM PST - 22 comments

I need to get a letter from Toronto, Ontario to Berkeley, California by January 6. I sent it by regular air-mail yesterday afternoon. Is it going to get there on time or should I pay approximately $40 for guaranteed next business day delivery? [more inside]posted by mellifluous at 8:10 PM PST - 25 comments

I'm thinking of creating a political parody website that may step on some toes and/or trademarks. I have a few technical and legal questions about how best to go about this. [more inside]posted by Riki tiki at 7:59 PM PST - 6 comments

How do I take an image file and mount it as a CD drive on my Mac (Snow Leopard) without using Toast. Bonus points for doing it from the command line. [more inside]posted by nokry56 at 6:58 PM PST - 9 comments

Two computers at work: my desktop, and a DVR-capture computer in another workcenter. I can "ping" the DVR computer from my desktop using the ipconfig command with no problem. Accessing it from my browser, however, does not work. Tried both Firefox and MS IE. Using the same IP address (http://xxx.xxx.x.xxx) in both instances, but no luck connecting via browser. Our internet guy claims that there's no firewall issues. So what's the problem - why can't I connect to the DVR computer from my desktop? Much obliged for any assist, MeFites! posted by davidmsc at 4:50 PM PST - 16 comments

Need help finding a really unique wedding/reception venue in Southern California that melds cultures! Although my fiancee and I are very similar culturally, we are also very different. Neither of us are religious, but she comes from a Muslim background, and I Hindu. She is of Pakistani origin, and I Indian. And of course, in the end we are both American. So we are trying to find a unique California venue that captures all of that. [more inside]posted by copernicus at 4:47 PM PST - 14 comments

Microsoft Word 2007: how do I disable this annoying privacy warning? Every time I save a file it pops up a window saying "Privacy Warning: This document contains macros, ActiveX controls, ...." [more inside]posted by exogenous at 4:42 PM PST - 6 comments

I am bitter towards companies in general, and that's not a useful attitude to have as (hopefully) a round of January interviews approach. Help me. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 4:41 PM PST - 21 comments

I currently teach high school in a low income area in a large suburb of Vancouver, BC. I am considering a move to a small community and am wondering what to expect. [more inside]posted by sadtomato at 4:32 PM PST - 7 comments

Automaton question. I am building a small sculpture that will steer along a pre-determined line when pushed along the floor. I need some advice on designing the main steering cam. [more inside]posted by Pink Fuzzy Bunny at 4:26 PM PST - 7 comments

Please help me replace my favorite shampoo (Aveda's Sap Moss), which is now discontinued. Have you tried their replacement line (Dry Remedy)? Have you found something better? [more inside]posted by a.steele at 4:03 PM PST - 10 comments

I've got a ~1 year old baby that seems to really like music, especially hip hop and electronic type beats, and I'm wondering if there exists any cool and relatively "babyproof" music gear? [more inside]posted by ejoey at 3:04 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm going to be in Canada next week. I was wondering if I could go into a local pharmacy with my written US prescriptions (non-controlled substances) and have them filled at Canada prices. Does anyone know? Pittfalls? (I'll be in Sherbrooke, if anyone ha recommendations.) posted by soulbarn at 2:56 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for pop/alt lullabies to put on a mixtape (er, CD) for new parents. Anything sweet, slow, easy to listen to when the baby is up at night and won't go to sleep. Strongly prefer newer stuff, because they've already got the old warhorses (Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Cat Stevens, etc). [more inside]posted by thinkingwoman at 2:55 PM PST - 24 comments

Almost every job I have ever received came from responding to a Craigslist/Monster/Indeed.com ad. This strategy doesn't seem to work as well anymore, likely due to astounding increases in online application volume. Besides simply knowing someone at the company, what are other ways you've had success in getting interviews? posted by kelechv at 2:40 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm organizing a Christmas light convoy tomorrow night. Basically a bunch of cars driving around town visiting the best lit up houses. I want to assign a ridiculous task to be performed at each house? Any ideas? [more inside]posted by 913 at 2:23 PM PST - 9 comments

Looking for good system monitoring / task scheduling software to run on Windows for server monitoring as well as running custom scripts for keeping track application specific metrics. [more inside]posted by Nothing at 2:09 PM PST - 2 comments

Am I going blind? All of a sudden I have a large blindspot at about 4 o clock in my field of vision. I also have a terrible headache, both of which developed today. [more inside]posted by wild like kudzu at 2:00 PM PST - 42 comments

[Software Development filter] I am working on a project that uses a PC (Windows) and a dedicated microprocessor to perform a specific task. I want to create a scripting language that will allow the user to write their own sequences for the tool. [more inside]posted by Drasher at 1:09 PM PST - 27 comments

I had this idea to make a dessert curry (similar to the idea of a desert pizza) but am not sure if the idea is even possible. My plan so far involves curry spices and a chocolate syrup based curry and perhaps add marshmallows and a substutue for meat or vegtables. Any ideas on how to proceed? posted by trojanhorse at 12:21 PM PST - 25 comments

A couple of years ago, I read a review of a book that sounded really interesting, but I can't find it now. The book was about a man who found some ancient documents that proved that Satan was good and God was evil (for instance, God denied Adam and Eve access to the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil). Apparently many people took this book to be non-fiction, and it caused a bit of hue & cry. Does anyone know the name of the book?? Thank you. posted by LauraJ at 12:13 PM PST - 8 comments

Why do so many kids wear their pants 1/2 way down their asses - if not totally off their asses? Is this a fashion thing I don't know about? Do they not know that their pants are falling down? posted by GernBlandston at 11:47 AM PST - 64 comments

Like a dumbass I took my work laptop off the corporate domain and now I can't log in. Helpdesk can't find the admin password for the machine so it's stuck until I travel to the office and they can re-image it (I'm remote). Until then I'd like to be able to at least boot into Ubuntu (or some such) and browse the web. [more inside]posted by jluce50 at 11:22 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm looking for the best resources (online or offline) for WordPress Theme development. Beginner to advanced -- I'm a sponge right now, so nothing is too dumb-downed or overly-technical for my consumption. What resources have you found to be most helpful on your quest to being a WordPress master? [more inside]posted by c:\awesome at 10:03 AM PST - 8 comments

I recently bought a share of a pig from a farmer, and it came wrapped in various cuts. One of the cuts is a large, meaty, bony one called "chine end roast." How should I cook this? [more inside]posted by Miko at 9:33 AM PST - 4 comments

I can touch-type relatively well (typing tests usually score me at about 75wpm) but I don't use the right fingering. If you were once me, and you learned to touch-type properly, can you describe your experience? [more inside]posted by demagogue at 9:05 AM PST - 19 comments

We've got no good reason to justify spending $500 (or even $100) to replace our 3:4 aspect ratio 32" CRT television. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that TV shows are being broadcast in 16:9 and the left and right edges are getting cut off. Is there any way to 'letterbox' our TV, somewhere between the cable box and the TV, so we can see the entire frame? posted by AzraelBrown at 9:00 AM PST - 18 comments

Please help me find a fragrance for a young woman! I have asked her what she wears (she always wears some scent), and her reply is vague: "I have a number of spritzes I use." I would like to get her something that she likes. I have no idea what a spritz is. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 8:51 AM PST - 42 comments

Help me learn more about teaching in Ontario, please. I'm looking for information about continuing education/professional development for teachers in Ontario. [more inside]posted by terilou at 7:19 AM PST - 4 comments

My wife and I want to stay at Disney World (Florida) with our 8-year old granddaughter. I'm almost 6-foot, 5-inches tall and I don't want a double-size bed, which seems to be what Disney wants families to sleep in.
While there are rooms with king-size beds, they are only for two people. Our travel agent called them and was told that their Coronado Springs hotel is only one where we can get a room with two queen-size beds. Quite frankly, the Southwestern theme doesn't appeal to us, and we think our young granddaughter won't find it very charming at all.
So, we're looking for suggestions or alternatives. We'd like to stay on the Disney property to avoid having to rent a car. Even more important than that, we want to stay at a hotel where we can get to/from the hotel quickly and easily, without having to wait for crowded shuttles or buses. posted by 14580 at 7:10 AM PST - 21 comments

What do I use to drive a multi head (12 displays) interactive display wall? I want to use one machine to run 12 discrete slide shows. Each show is only 2 slides. Mac/PC? Software? [more inside]posted by MrBobaFett at 6:51 AM PST - 12 comments

Looking for free or cheap property ownership data for co-op/condo units in Manhattan. General question has been asked before but doesn't yield what I'm looking for here. [more inside]posted by cloudscratcher at 6:18 AM PST - 3 comments

My rabbit supplier was only able to provide 2 rabbits instead of the 4 I needed, so gave me a deal on 2 pheasant to go with them. I need advice on (1) plucking and (2) cooking pheasant, with or without the rabbits. [more inside]posted by biffa at 2:52 AM PST - 12 comments

We're going on vacation for 4-5 days, and are leaving our sun conure in the care of our friends. Unfortunately, he bites anyone who isn't us, so they can't let him out of his cage. (His wings are unclipped, so he would have no problem getting to them.) Will he be okay? posted by archagon at 2:39 AM PST - 2 comments

I might be able to purchase a Wurlitzer Electric Piano (looks like a 200A, but with a speaker cabinet supporting it) today for ~$450. This strikes me as a really great deal, and therefore just a bit suspicious. I'm obviously going to try every key (for both sound and feel) and make sure the tremolo knobs are working. What else should I look out for? Are there any potential defects which might not be obvious at first glance? What degree of disrepair should I be willing to accept at this price? [more inside]posted by elektrotechnicus at 12:58 AM PST - 7 comments

December 21

I'm 27 and single. I've never had a serious boyfriend. Just throwing that out there.
My brother is 24. Our 1st cousins are visiting for Christmas. One of them is male and 19, the other is female and 16. Tonight we somehow got into a huge discussion about relationships. Basically my brother and cousin (the 19-year-old) were making the following points: [more inside]posted by starpoint at 11:01 PM PST - 117 comments

Help me find a particular brand of ugly shoes that my girlfriend showed me... in time for a Christmas gift miracle! What are some hipster shoe brands in the vein of Creative Recreation, Keep, and Zuriick? [more inside]posted by white light at 10:01 PM PST - 3 comments

My exercise routine is not yielding me results. I want a book (preferably one that I can download on audible) that will fill in the many gaps in my excercise/fitness knowledge. [more inside]posted by whoaali at 10:00 PM PST - 28 comments

Latitude Filter: So, today is the Solstice (shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere; longest in the Southern), with all its cultural significance, which got me thinking about what's it's like living near the equator, where the days are all (more or less) the same length throughout the year? [more inside]posted by 5Q7 at 8:13 PM PST - 18 comments

My kid has a much beloved playdate buddy. Problem is; playdate buddy's mom is a drunk. A clingy, needy, whining, status-symbol addicted, country-club, drunk. I wouldn't mind if she was a fun drunk, or if she only drank after her husband got home, or if she didn't call me and want to come over when she was drunk...but suddenly, I've got this drunken crazy woman in my sphere. I don't much care for her, but our kids adore each other. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 6:57 PM PST - 46 comments

Previously I was considering bankruptcy, but now I'm considering selling my house.
My fiancee has left, I have $50k in CC debt, student loans, and a mortgage that is under water by $15-25K.
Renting it out will only cover 2/3 of the mortgage/taxes/ins., and nowhere to live.
I'm thinking about selling it, but what happens if I sell for less than I owe?
Also, I'd be responsible for the realtor's fee (4-6%= appx. $20-25K).
Add those together, and it's 30k to 50k to SELL my house and get out from under the mortgage.
What happens to the balance that I would owe?
Thanks! posted by antipode12 at 6:15 PM PST - 25 comments

I'm going to be in NYC for New Year's Eve with a few friends and we would like to go to a local celebration/event in Queens or Brooklyn instead of Manhattan. Are there any that you recommend? [more inside]posted by melodykramer at 5:59 PM PST - 6 comments

The new Super Mario game has made me want a Wii. I've played some of the sports games with my nephews and the motion aspect gets old quick for me. So my question is, are there any games that are just button mashers that I might enjoy? Does it even make sense to get one if I really only want to play old school type games on it? (I thought Super Mario Galaxy was boring for example). posted by vronsky at 5:51 PM PST - 26 comments

I've been happily living abroad for three months, and all of a sudden I'm extremely homesick and I want to come home. I want to get past this, but how? [more inside]posted by inatizzy at 5:32 PM PST - 26 comments

If your small-town choir tells you that they want to perform at Carnegie Hall as part of the MidAmerica Concert Series - how good (polish, presentation, musical standards etc.) do they need to be to get the gig? posted by tabubilgirl at 5:31 PM PST - 4 comments

I used to have an ATT mobile number and someone could send me an SMS via email by sending a message to XXXXXXXXXX@txt.att.net. I now have a Google Voice number. Can someone still send me an SMS via email? [more inside]posted by jaimev at 5:23 PM PST - 4 comments

I would like for Windows Media Player to play music from my external hard drive. My google-fu is typically strong, but apparently I don't have the vocabulary for this task. [more inside]posted by wg at 5:17 PM PST - 5 comments

Help! I'm making a craft resin beltbuckle for an xmas present-and I have done the first layer which hardened just fine over the photo in the mold-but the second layer is still unhardened at the 40 hour mark-its not totally liquid-but sticky to the touch. Is there any way to make this harden-I'm heating it under a heat lamp-but any crafty people got a sure fire solution? I don't have time to start over. posted by donabean at 5:05 PM PST - 6 comments

FinanciallyCluelessFilter: If I borrowed money from a friend in British pounds (when I was in the UK) and am now repaying him in Australian dollars, should I be repaying him at the current exchange rate, or the historical exchange rate at the time of the loan? [more inside]posted by Weng at 4:41 PM PST - 19 comments

The Bishop Allen song "Flight 180" includes the lyrics "Bring up your seat back please, she says / But I know she means / If you feel like dancing, dance with me", and it later comes back to that theme of "But I know they mean.." a few times. It reminds me of the line "I see friends shaking hands, saying 'How do you do' / They're really saying 'I love you'" from "What a Wonderful World".
What other songs refer to somebody saying some everyday thing, but meaning something more important/meaningful? posted by pocams at 2:40 PM PST - 10 comments

My friends have commented on how strong the air freshener in my apartment is. What brands or methods are good for a place with poor ventilation? [more inside]posted by zombieflanders at 1:45 PM PST - 27 comments

Hi all; so my parents bought be a nice le creuset tagine for xmas, but I'm not quite sure what to use it for as a vegetarian. I'm sure I could make something like ratatouille but I'd really like to try some recipes that are specifically meant for a tagine and am getting the impression that lamb and chicken are going to feature prominantly in most of the recipes I find online. To that end, can anyone recommend some vegetarian tagine cookbooks? posted by mizike at 1:24 PM PST - 7 comments

I was watching Say Anything (Cusack) when I heard the semi-cliched line " I wanna be with her. I'm good at it". Now I swear I've heard a a line to that effect or a variant on a similar 80/90s RomCom or Brat Pack film.
I have a suspicion that the story line may have featured heart broken college teenagers. It's driving me mad. Can anyone help identify any titles which features that line? posted by ashaw at 1:00 PM PST - 8 comments

I think that I may be getting laid off soon and need some clarification about unemployment benefits in New Jersey. I'm trying to call their question line, but it is busy every time. I am concerned about my eligibility because my employer is officially in NY. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 11:48 AM PST - 6 comments

Northern Minnesota experts? Searching for good eats - the kind you buy and take home with you, not restaurants - between Two Harbors and Minneapolis. [more inside]posted by nanojath at 11:42 AM PST - 15 comments

What are the best part of the Poconos and/or Adirondacks to visit during the winter? My wife and I would be first-time visitors to either region and are interested in winter hiking trails and snowmobiling - not skiing. We're looking to rent a cabin or stay at a nice resort/hotel. Would appreciate any suggestions or ideas! posted by exhilaration at 11:21 AM PST - 2 comments

I was in a serious auto accident in October of 2009. I do have an attorney. We've filed suit to settle the case, and my deposition is this afternoon. As the time grows closer, I'm getting more and more anxious about this. What should I expect? [more inside]posted by anastasiav at 10:22 AM PST - 14 comments

Movie-identification-filter: A man and a woman are in a motel room, they're getting sexy on the bed, the woman ties/handcuffs the man's hands to the bed, takes off her top, dangles her breasts over his face, then leaves him there and drives off with his car. Probably came out in the late 80s or early 90s. [more inside]posted by beerbajay at 10:18 AM PST - 16 comments

I've been looking for this one "all in one" news website again and I can't seem to remember the name and googling for keywords/pieces I remember of it has failed me. [more inside]posted by isoman2kx at 8:57 AM PST - 7 comments

What's a good, open source alternative to Visio? I'm looking to do some flowcharts, absolutely hate working with the draw tools in Word, and need something fairly simple, easy to use. Prefer not to use web based, don't like trusting data to third parties. posted by Zinger at 8:46 AM PST - 10 comments

What do I need to take a timed photo, outdoors, once per day for six months without touching the camera --unless I am just periodically switching out a memory card? [more inside]posted by john.c.herman at 8:21 AM PST - 12 comments

I've somehow managed to screw up my firefox and keep it from auto-logging in. I've tried all the things I found when searching. Can someone help? [more inside]posted by jefficator at 7:46 AM PST - 8 comments

Breaking my lease: landlord barely making an effort and raising the rent. What are my chances in court? YANML, I want to know where I stand before I start pouring lawyer money after rent money. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:45 AM PST - 14 comments

The plant I work in is going to soon require (OSHA approved) safety glasses at all times if you are on the floor. I am back and forth on the floor quite a bit, but I HATE safety glasses (I wear regular glasses, and will still be required to wear them). So I would need something I can leave on my head, or has some function so I don't lose them.
On top of this, I enjoy doing things a bit differently, so I would like suggestions for safety glasses that are a bit different. Ideally they should go over my current glasses, but I would entertain the thought of getting prescription ones, if they were awesome enough.
Bonus points for goggles that meet these requirements! posted by JonnyRotten at 7:25 AM PST - 13 comments

LowCarbDietFilter: How do you GAIN weight on a low carb diet? I'm on a low carb diet for health reasons, but was already fairly skinny before I started, and now I'm having a tough time maintaining my weight. Any good resources that aren't all about weight loss? [more inside]posted by sdis at 6:31 AM PST - 23 comments

Is it safe for me to add methylated spirits to the screenwash reservoir on my car during this cold snap? Is there anything else I should or shouldn't use? [more inside]posted by Solomon at 6:16 AM PST - 10 comments

Flying back home on Thursday, and I want to bring a mixed CD with me that's full of, well, we'll love each other no matter what. I like Robert Earl Keen's Merry Christmas From the Family. What else should I include? posted by halogen at 2:44 AM PST - 7 comments

December 20

Songs that are thematically similar to "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" and Hamlet: emotional isolation, wasted youth, life consumed by contemplation rather than action, etc. [more inside]posted by Gotham at 11:53 PM PST - 26 comments

What software should I use to replicate the delay/looping effect that this video employs? I would need a metronome monitor separate from the input mix. It would be amazing to tweak the length of the decay too.
http://vimeo.com/7722804[more inside]posted by supyo at 11:09 PM PST - 5 comments

Will TSA confiscate my two containers of Body Shop body butter? They are Christmas presents for friends back home and I don't want to have to repurchase them once I get to my destination. They are each 6.9 ounces. [more inside]posted by timpanogos at 9:48 PM PST - 33 comments

My website gets a lot of traffic from artists, many of whom would like to feature their unique pieces for sale on my site. Are there any cheap/free ecommerce solutions out there to let them sell through my site similar to how Etsy handles it? [more inside]posted by Elminster24 at 9:34 PM PST - 5 comments

There is a movie I saw very distractedly around 1996-2000, featuring a scene I keep thinking about. I don't remember much beyond that one scene but I do recall the haunting mood of the film. I'd like to watch it again sometime, but can't seem to identify it. [more inside]posted by mindwarp at 9:32 PM PST - 11 comments

What are the major technological changes of the past 5 years, and the major trends that are on the horizon? I have a friend who is currently in prison, and who is very curious about things he sees on television. For example, he has asked about 3G networks, and why phones have keyboards. He wants a primer on what he's missing. [more inside]posted by hilaryjade at 8:36 PM PST - 17 comments

Sleuthing and neighbors have figured out what went on in front of my place the other day and it involves fabricating evidence for a newspaper story. I'd like suggestions on how to proceed. [more inside]posted by mightshould at 8:29 PM PST - 27 comments

Public emotional blackmail filter: She's trying to publicly shame me into donating. My inner child wants to let this lady have it. My outer adult says she's not worth it. How do I get her to stop while still appearing to be an adult? Here's where you come in. [more inside]posted by Leezie at 7:37 PM PST - 27 comments

Sometime last week I heard a remake of "Last Christmas" by Wham! and, unlike most versions of the song, I didn't hate it. It was played on 99.1 CBC Radio in Toronto. Please help me find out who is behind this remake! [more inside]posted by anekona at 5:46 PM PST - 8 comments

I am traveling to Boston (Malden, MA - to be precise) this week and will be there for a about 2 1/2 days. What would be fun but not too expensive activities for two people (1guy/1girl) without a car in this weather? [more inside]posted by bbyboi at 5:05 PM PST - 11 comments

Wonderful pink kind of champagne-esque drink found in Italy was had on my birthday and I've completely forgotten the name but would like to find it again...? [more inside]posted by eatdonuts at 4:06 PM PST - 16 comments

Music theory meets Christmas filter: I have been a good musician in my day, but my training was long on how to do it and woefully short on theory. I'm curious about the Christmas music that sounds like it's in a minor key (i.e., "Watchman Tell Us of the Night," "We Three Kings," "O Come, O Come Emanuel"). I have read that these pieces are written in Aeolian mode, but that source was quite brief and unhelpful. Can someone walk me through these songs? This question is interesting but doesn't go far enough in my direction. posted by bryon at 3:37 PM PST - 24 comments

My google skills have failed me. My wireless network utilization is very low, or keeps dropping to zero. Other computers on the same network are just fine - what gives? [more inside]posted by alrightokay at 2:50 PM PST - 2 comments

I was recently received an internal promotion in my current team from a junior level to senior level title. This promotion is due to experience and performance: I will continue to work on the same projects as before in the same role. How should I express this promotion on my resume? [more inside]posted by cosmic.osmo at 1:44 PM PST - 11 comments

ForgottenSongFilter: I am trying to help a friend recall a song, with dismal results (so far). All we know is that it is a hip hop/R&B/radio-pop type song, likely from the mid-1990s, with a female vocal in the chorus. The chorus is something along the lines of "This is the..." with a spelled out phrase following that, likely beginning with the letter L. There may or may not be "party sounds" in the background. HELP!?! posted by broadway bill at 12:46 PM PST - 6 comments

A few years ago I saw a foreign film. I have forgotten the title, but it ended with a line like "I spent a lifetime looking for a diamond in a mountain of glass." Anyone remember the name of it? [more inside]posted by Mickelstiff at 12:03 PM PST - 6 comments

How can I organize offline pdfs on windows so that they're easy to find offline using a standard browser? In a perfect world, it would be like delicious, but for pdfs. Tags, sortable by tags, compact display. Endnote and Wordpress are the available tools. [more inside]posted by furious at 11:55 AM PST - 9 comments

I have about 5oz of left over sweetened condensed milk from making a Key lime pie (yum!). What can I make with this? And how long will it keep in my fridge? [more inside]posted by just_ducky at 10:58 AM PST - 26 comments

I just made an awesome 20 minute iMovie, then accidentally unplugged my mac while it was exporting. Now it seems to have dissapeared. It doesn't show up when i open iMovie and all i can find with my finder is a completely blank file with the name of the project. Will I have to spend another 30 minutes editing it together or can I retrieve it somehow? posted by Andy Harwood at 10:13 AM PST - 5 comments

I need some Yule music. With kind of an indie rock feel if possible. Stuff that is a cross between Belle and Sebastian and the sountrack for the Wicker Man with a winter yule theme. This is anon because its for a surprise evening dinner/birthday party. Please suggest any songs/whole albums. Thank you! posted by anonymous at 8:34 AM PST - 29 comments

You are not my doctor, but you do know something about mysterious skin conditions that disappear without a trace every time I make a doctor's appointment. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 8:33 AM PST - 18 comments

I recently, finally, purchased an HDTV (a Samsung, from the 6000 LED series). I'm totally new to this, but as the sound is not great from the TV itself, I'm wondering what a good, not bank-breaking (but doesn't have to be bargain basement either) home theater set up is. [more inside]posted by dearleader at 8:12 AM PST - 10 comments

Can you help me find a comedy sketch involving old women and replacement husbands? I'm 99% sure it's from Monty Python, but haven't been able to find it after Googling or looking at Python sites. Full description inside. [more inside]posted by bibliophibianj at 7:40 AM PST - 2 comments

Niece EvilBreakfast is on the road to recovery after a break of the femur. Although doctors say that the positioning of the pins inserted to help heal the break shouldn't cause a problem, since the bandages came off she's unable to straighten her knee.
Physio has not helped, and after 3 months we're starting to get concerned. The doctors and physiotherapists are saying that there's no reason for the problem; you are not my doctor... But has anyone else come across this and have any suggestions? posted by Mrevilbreakfast at 7:12 AM PST - 11 comments

My Aunt, Uncle and cousins have never been good with money, and have also never had well paying jobs. My Uncle has just inherited a (low) six-figure sum. Do I try to help them out by offering to build a financial plan for them? [more inside]posted by RecalcitrantYouth at 5:10 AM PST - 11 comments

I told my family that I would cook Christmas dinner for the first time this year, but on the proviso that I wouldn't cook a turkey (which I hate). They agreed to me cooking a Sea Bass, as long as I also provided some poultry - which will be two small pheasants - for those who don't fancy the Sea Bass (grandma). Now wee need side dishes! [more inside]posted by munchbunch at 4:49 AM PST - 8 comments

Having managed 35 odd years as a skinny bastard, I seem to have put on about 5 kilos in weight over the last 3 years, and am developing something of a barrel shape in my upper body. My weight used to yo-yo a bit (+-3 kilos depending on stress and lifestyle) but doesn't seem to any more. This is a worry, as both my father and my grandfather were moderately obese from middle age onwards (I am also male). Any ideas what I can do to help prevent me from going the same way? [more inside]posted by singingfish at 3:07 AM PST - 10 comments

December 19

I am looking for recommendations about to video-editing work flow for an oral history project I am involved. Pointers to other sites to ask this question are also welcome. What is the best way to capture hours of video recordings, add some basic beginning and end titles, and perhaps so music. Capturing the tapes to a computer, adding titles/music and then writing to DVD seems over-kill. [more inside]posted by vac2003 at 8:33 PM PST - 5 comments

I am heading to Lima tomorrow from Montreal. I have a 9pm - 5am layover at JFK airport. Can I decide at the last minute to get an airport hotel room? Or will I pay through the nose? [more inside]posted by gillianr at 8:27 PM PST - 9 comments

I love the Neil Young track "For the Turnstiles." It's a great performance of a great song. I walk around the house singing it, annoying my wife and frightening my children. But I've got to come to grips with the fact that I can't quite decipher whatever the literal meaning of the lyrics might be. Can you help me? [more inside]posted by e.e. coli at 7:18 PM PST - 11 comments

I am potentially going to be traveling to Louisville, Kentucky, on a business trip.
I'm staying for 8 nights and I could stay in the company hotel, but they force us to share, so I'm looking for alternatives that will allow me to have a private room without completely busting my budget.
I need to be within walking distance of the Kentucky International Convention Center on 4th between Jefferson and Market.
I'm also curious about this neighborhood in general -- safe? walkable? posted by tmharris65 at 6:52 PM PST - 6 comments

Recently I have been having trouble finding enjoyment or excitement in almost all of my regular recreational and social activities. I'm pretty sure I'm not depressed, this is not an overall feeling of hopelessness, as I am petty happy with the general outline and direction of my life. It is more of a specific, lackluster feeling of blandness that has gradually crept into most activities that I supposedly do for "enjoyment." I'm only 25. What gives? [more inside]posted by the foreground at 6:38 PM PST - 18 comments

Would it be considered "fair use" to pen a satirical children's book based on a professional sports team? For instance, "How The Yankees Stole Christmas" or something similar. (That's not the title I have in mind, but it gets the point across.) [more inside]posted by (bb|[^b]{2}) at 4:45 PM PST - 9 comments

Does anyone know of a utility to download threads from vbulletin-based forums? I'm heading off the grid for a while, and would like to save some things for reading. [more inside]posted by flutable at 4:19 PM PST - 2 comments

Can anyone give me recommendations for yoga dvds that do not contain downward facing dog poses? I really do not enjoy this position for reasons I don't want to explain here. I tried taking a yoga class at my park district, but there was so much downward dog I ended up quitting after just three classes. posted by TrickyLib at 3:58 PM PST - 12 comments

A few years back I was diagnosed with pneumonia after being sick on and off for about three weeks. When I was finally diagnosed I seem to recall that they gave me antibiotics and a codeine based cough syrup. This combo worked like a wonder. The codeine knocked out my cough and let me sleep, and the antibiotics killed the pneumonia. At least that's how I remember it. [more inside]posted by Reverend John at 3:16 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm planning a quick three day trip to the Yucatan, and need suggestions for a nice, quiet and local town to relax by the beach and spend time around nature. [more inside]posted by waylaid at 2:57 PM PST - 6 comments

I have received a (used) Sony Cybershot camera with a charger and usb cord in the mail. I have no idea who the sender is or why it was sent to me! What is going on here? [more inside]posted by lootie777 at 2:48 PM PST - 25 comments

Buying a Wii game for my parents. They have the sports and resort games, I'd like it to be something that multiple people can play, ideally at a party, as that's when they use it the most. Great group Wii games? posted by anonymous at 2:40 PM PST - 15 comments

Help me develop sprezzatura, the art of "a certain nonchalance, so as to conceal all art and make whatever one does or says appear to be without effort and almost without any thought about it." The "zen valedictorian" approach, but applied outside of a school setting. Or old-style Hollywood glamour, but updated for our millennium. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 2:15 PM PST - 26 comments

First Child Filter: My 3 week old son had a diaper rash which we treated with diaper rash ointment. Now it has gotten weird and we don't know what to do. Please help! [more inside]posted by lodie6 at 1:47 PM PST - 21 comments

I'm considering a great job offer in another state, and what it might mean for my two-year relationship. Help me develop a framework for making some decisions about all this. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 1:18 PM PST - 15 comments

We're looking for a good pet(s) for our family. Our 3 year old betta is about to die (it's just lying on the bottom of the bowl, not looking good at all). We're looking for a new pet to replace our betta. We live in a small apartment and my son and I are allergic to dogs and cats so those are out. We're looking for something that is kid friendly (in that they can participate in its care) and can live in a bowl/tank. [more inside]posted by crios at 11:36 AM PST - 33 comments

Help us diagnose our Ford F150: what could be draining down the (new) battery overnight? We're suddenly seeing apparent battery drainage in our pickup truck, a 1994 Ford F150. Though the truck starts up fine, the dashboard battery gauge reads low immediately upon ignition, the windshield wipers are sluggish, and the dashboard lights are dim. We thought the old battery was likely dying, so we had it replaced with a new battery... but that hasn't solved the problem. [more inside]posted by Elsa at 11:27 AM PST - 28 comments

My wonderful great uncle had to have his right index finger amputated at the middle knuckle a year or so ago. He is 92 years old, lives alone, and has coped with loneliness (since the loss of his beloved wife 8 years ago) by keeping himself busy with construction related hobbies and cooking. I found out that he is really suffering from the loss of his normal pincer grasp. He specifically mentioned trouble using a hammer and nails. What can I do to make his life/hobbies easier, other than suggest a thumb and middle finger pincer grasp? Are there any products or tools you can recommend? posted by shylady at 10:41 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm a young 60 yr old woman aged out of my career of 30 yrs.--creating
advertising for pharmaceuticals. Is paying for help worth it? I'm lost
and must keep earning!! Suggestions? [more inside]posted by Summer05 at 10:08 AM PST - 9 comments

"Sweatshops"? Overseas labor.
looking for pros and cons; discussion on how to define/evaluate whether work done overseas is beneficial or harmful for the workers and country involved. [more inside]posted by ebesan at 9:02 AM PST - 24 comments

I need an apartment in Berlin (Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg/Mitte) available at short notice for a month-long rental. I can't find anything on Google except expensive holiday apartments. I arrive in mid-January and can't visit Berlin in advance. Budget: €30/night or €900/month. Where should I look? Thank you. posted by maryrosecook at 8:37 AM PST - 6 comments

I had a large non-cancerous tumor removed a few years ago. The tumor and the two surgeries required to remove it left me unable to work for a year and $50,000 in debt. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:44 AM PST - 5 comments

I (think I) read somewhere on the web the factoid that, if we could restrict the impacts of climate change to within the borders of the country responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions, the temperature of the USA would rise by (something like) 22° Celsius. Now I can't for the life of me find it again. Does anyone know where I read this, or am I simply imagining things? I'd like to be able to cite an authority for my assertion. Climate change skeptics need not apply. posted by Tawita at 5:23 AM PST - 4 comments

Mike Leigh's move Career girls has a song over the end credits, which I assume is by Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who is credited with the soundtrack. [more inside]posted by goofyfoot at 1:44 AM PST - 1 comment

I'm waiting to receive a used computer I bought from China (where it was made) and it is now "Inbound into Customs." This worries me as I was under the impression laptop fell under code 8471, and were import tax exempt. Is this right? If not what are the customs officials going to ask for? Also if duty is charged, will the value be based on the declared value or...? posted by SamSugar at 12:59 AM PST - 5 comments

We recently changed internet connections to a different plan with the same provider, now some webpages are loading without their css. What gives? [more inside]posted by chrisbucks at 10:39 PM PST - 6 comments

Have you, or someone you know, ever actually quit your job and convinced your employer to hire you back as a vendor or consultant, producing great happiness? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:29 PM PST - 9 comments

Repertoire building filter: need ideas to build up a new group of barbershop / jazz / folk / acapella / contemporary style. We are six guys looking to form a quartet. Yes, I know. A quartet is FOUR. Read more below. [more inside]posted by chrisinseoul at 7:28 PM PST - 7 comments

My sister is trapped in Lynchburg, VA due to the weather. She only has $30 cash to last her until her backup flight leaves on Sunday. What's the best way to get her money so she can eat? [more inside]posted by yellowbkpk at 6:58 PM PST - 33 comments

Denver filter: My boyfriend and I will be in the Denver area from Dec 25 - Jan 1st.
I would love Holiday/ winter activity recommendations for my boyfriend and I (mid-20s and early 30s) and activity recommendations for us and my parents. [more inside]posted by soupy at 4:56 PM PST - 7 comments

What's it like being an account coordinator at a PR firm? I've read some job profiles online, but I'd like to hear personal experiences. What's the day-to-day work like, and what sort of person would be good for the job? I see there's a past question that touches on being an account exec, but this is the rung below, right? posted by trillian at 3:52 PM PST - 8 comments

It is a 60's or 70;s cartoon film, it starts live action and involves a boy who enters a cartoon world, I seem to recall a winding road, and has a Dr Suess kind of feel to it.....Pretty vague I know, but it's all i can remember, apart from it being shown on Cartoon network about 10 Ish years ago, any one help me?? posted by maxmix at 3:09 PM PST - 14 comments

My lease expires May 15. I need to be in another city the first week of March. My housemate and I want to move out ASAP because our neighborhood sucks. Please advise. More details inside. [more inside]posted by beefetish at 1:27 PM PST - 7 comments

What's the "right" way to create an arrows-in-a-circle diagram such as this one or these? The last post in that second link works (in Illustrator) if I then expand, ungroup, and bring the last arrowhead to the front...but it seems like a crude solution. Is there a better way? Illustrator seems like it's the right sofware for the job, but I'm open to other ideas, too. Thanks! posted by The Dutchman at 11:40 AM PST - 9 comments

Car Inspection PA:
I recently have been told by mechanic that because my driver's side window is nonoperational ( the window is permanently up, it has a blown motor) it will not pass inspection.
I just can't believe that because of a window, I wouldn't pass inspection. Is this a valid claim?
I have a 1999 mercury cougar. posted by cheechman85 at 11:11 AM PST - 15 comments

Looking for a song with a beat like Tik Tok by Ke$ha or Tonight's Gonna be a Good Night by Black-Eyes Peas but without references to drinking or "language" for a video. [more inside]posted by UMDirector at 10:58 AM PST - 7 comments

I graduated with a BA in Religious Studies, and am currently working in a tech support/helpdesk position. I would like to move into actual IT work. What's the best way to go about that? posted by khaibit at 10:41 AM PST - 8 comments

I just got an Xbox 360. I'm not the biggest fan of first-person shooters, Grand Theft Auto, and pseudo-instrument games like Guitar Hero, but I do love novel, esoteric games. What are some of the unsung heroes in the XB360 library that I should invest in? [more inside]posted by Christ, what an asshole at 10:26 AM PST - 34 comments

How can I print 34 lines of text so that it takes up exactly 6.125 inches?
Or equivalently, so that each line is .18 inches. I tried different fonts in various word processors but always ended up a little to large or too small. There's probably an obvious way to do this using some easily available software (preferably free) but I can't seem to figure out what it is. posted by Obscure Reference at 10:19 AM PST - 12 comments

What resources can I read to understand topics like scientific management, organisational workflows, and other ways of describing and monitoring processes made up of actors communicating amongst themselves to produce an end product? [more inside]posted by pbh at 9:58 AM PST - 14 comments

Non-compete requested as a condition of employment. Employment change was a surprise. Employee located in California, Massachusetts law invoked in language. Who to contact (YANML-filter)? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:51 AM PST - 12 comments

I have a small health issue which will probably require minor surgery. Pretty routine and low-risk kind of thing. I'm employed and have a good health plan through my job. But here's the problem: I might be changing jobs (and therefore health plans) very soon. Will this create problems getting the procedure paid for? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:16 AM PST - 6 comments

Mr. Arkham and I want to take a long weekend-type mini vacation in early February, somewhere either driveable or a cheap flight from DC. Our usual M.O. for picking places is to find a cool event, then plan a trip around it. He summed up what we're looking for as "arty, smarty, but with a party." [more inside]posted by JoanArkham at 8:52 AM PST - 5 comments

A coworker agreed to be one of my references-awesome! She then informed me that my company has a no reference policy. Should I put her name down? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 8:39 AM PST - 7 comments

How can I use the normal web version of Google Translate from my iPhone? It's automatically redirecting me to their iPhone-optimized version, which doesn't have all the options I need. [more inside]posted by greenmagnet at 8:15 AM PST - 2 comments

In some religions (at the very least Catholicism), eating fish on Fridays is (or at least was) a requirement and seems to remain a bit of a tradition. I was raised by some strict Catholics, but never understood what the real rule was. Do you have to eat fish, or do you just have to not eat meat? And how exactly is "meat" defined in this situation? [more inside]posted by tastybrains at 7:52 AM PST - 45 comments

need help winterizing house! the house is not horribly inslated, but it has a lot of windows and very very high ceilings. my aim is to insulate the windows as much as possible, and whatever else. what I'm looking for is materials, brand names, and methods. [more inside]posted by herbplarfegan at 6:48 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm a yoga teacher and have long been interested in learning thai yoga massage. 2010 is the year for it! I live "overseas" so will have to travel to take a course and it would have to be an intensive (2 weeks rather than a number of weekends over a period of months for example). I'm boggled by all the options out there ...where in the world to go - who are the best teachers? I'm drawn to Saul David Raye....but would appreciate your suggestions. Thank you and Happy Holidays! posted by LivinginYes at 6:41 AM PST - 4 comments

For a 45 year old woman, I'm very happy with how I'm aging, with one recent exception: my eyes are beginning to look very old. In the past few months, I arise every morning with huge puffs both under and over my eyes and there's been a dramatic increase in wrinkles, to the point where people keep asking me if I'm okay because I look tired.
I'm already a low-sodium, exercising, well-hydrated, healthy diet, lots of green tea type of person. I've tried puff-reducing gels (which work a little but then the wrinkles really stand out), the Olay Rx line (no changes), some dermatologist-recommended Vichy product line, still nothing.
But I'm wondering, weirdly, if having swine flu about 2 months ago has something to do with this. One of my first symptoms was I became bloated all over (couldn't zip up boots), and maybe the eyes are the last remnant of the flu?
Does anyone have recommendations for a de-wrinkler for the eyes that truly works? posted by dzaz at 3:27 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm turning 16 this weekend, and decided to get together with some friends for dinner. Problem is, I have no idea where to go. Suggest a Vancouver restaurant for five 16-18 year olds on a Sunday night? [more inside]posted by csjc at 1:40 AM PST - 7 comments

Okay internet ninjas, can you help me figure out what the crap happened to all this static website's traffic? At the beginning of February '09, visits dropped to about a quarter of what they once were and stayed there, literally overnight.. The culprit looks to be StumbleUpon - referrals went from quadruple digits to doubles even though there was absolutely no change in the site or its (non-existent) marketing. Though I've read up on SU, I still don't really get why this happened. Can you explain and/or offer advice on fixing it? [more inside]posted by borkingchikapa at 12:49 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm training for a marathon and I use a Garmin GPS watch. I'm wondering: of course it transmits to the satellites as I move forward; but does the fact that my arm (with the watch attached) moves back and forth - as opposed to my entire body moving forward as a single unit - have anything to do with the accuracy? I apologize in advance if this sounds vague or else is even irrelevant. posted by holdenjordahl at 10:27 PM PST - 11 comments

I am beginning to worry irrationally and frequently about the possibility of my teeth falling out when they are obviously fine, Is this something I should talked to a therapist about? [more inside]posted by emperor.seamus at 9:29 PM PST - 20 comments

When I wake up, I have lately been vexed with a dull pain in my lower legs and especially feet that reminds me of a long day of walking... . [more inside]posted by moonbird at 9:06 PM PST - 11 comments

So cell towers are being installed next to a school that's near mine. Parents there are concerned about this, and also about the presence of wifi networks in schools. They cite research promulgated by a Magda Havas. I know hers is a minority viewpoint- but is it fairly described as 'crackpot'? Do parents have legitimate concerns over these issues? posted by carterk at 7:49 PM PST - 19 comments

I'd like to buy a book or books for someone who really liked 1776, by David McCullough, but who now wants to know more about the Revolutionary War. [more inside]posted by kingjoeshmoe at 6:13 PM PST - 10 comments

I've been unemployed for a year and have had an unsuccessful job hunt. I've recently discovered (happily) that I'm pregnant. This changes everything. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 5:14 PM PST - 14 comments

I moved across the country for a dream job at my alma mater, my job's funding was cut and I am now unemployed. I have no benefits and am losing my place at the end of the month. I don't have a lot of money but I have decided to make a go of Eugene, Oregon. I have applied to some temp places, but what else should I be doing as a professional fundraiser and broadcast journalist to find work and get my life together? I am over the despair but I need major help. [more inside]posted by parmanparman at 4:06 PM PST - 5 comments

I have a near-pathological fear of talking to strangers on the phone. My expanded job duties will soon include calling clients. How do I get past this fear? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 4:06 PM PST - 27 comments

Hi all!
So, have any of you ever vacationed or traveled in the Caribbean? If so, I would love to hear your likes, dislikes, recommendations & suggestions. [more inside]posted by BobFrapples at 2:27 PM PST - 15 comments

I'm more sedentary than I'd like to be, and I'm putting on weight. Please help me get motivated to work out, and help me encourage my wife to join me. More details inside. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 2:10 PM PST - 22 comments

I need help finding citations for a story about programmer's inspirations. A giant whiteboard asks for the spark that interested people in computers and the answers are all video games. [more inside]posted by pwnguin at 2:06 PM PST - 2 comments

So I recently moved, and as I always do, got an account with Time Warner (who are pretty much the only option in the part of Austin where I live). I noticed that my IP was resolving as either "earthlink.net" or "mindspring.com" when it should be "austin.rr.com", but didn't think much of it. However, today I found a letter in the mail containing "important information about your EarthLink account." Wot's, uh, the deal? [more inside]posted by DecemberBoy at 1:34 PM PST - 6 comments

How can people in the U.S. prison system communicate with the outside world? I understand that this varies depending on the type of prison, and possibly the state, but I have found no information. [more inside]posted by daboo at 1:18 PM PST - 13 comments

My daughter would love a toy like the Fischer Price tape recorder from my childhood. A simple sturdy mp3 recorder with a microphone that can be operated by a small child. Does that perfect gift exist? My google skills turn op nothing. posted by FidelDonson at 1:11 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for a site that aggregates sites to do with character design, typography, cute craft, flash interfaces, 3d goodness, crazy news and general cool stuff in the vein of the now defunct Pixelsurgeon. Oh how I miss Pixelsurgeon :( [more inside]posted by aqueousdan at 1:10 PM PST - 8 comments

Are there un-buildable lots? I have read up on a similar question but that was about how expensive the known-to-be-buildable lots are. My question is if I see a lot listed that is "virgin" vacant never had a srtucture on it, how likely is it that no one could build on it? [more inside]posted by markhu at 12:51 PM PST - 13 comments

After I settled an auto injury claim I found out the adjuster mislead me on a number of issues. Had I known that I would have obtained an attorney. Can settled injury claims get reopened (Adjuster says no)? posted by elizfield at 12:48 PM PST - 9 comments

My family isn't doing presents this year. Instead, each of us will cook a spectacular feast for the others during the upcoming holiday break. I want to cook a Japanese feast!! Difficulty: must be vegetarian. [more inside]posted by Cygnet at 12:21 PM PST - 22 comments

How do you give yourself the motivation to be great, without also having a giant unfillable hole in your soul that will doom you to misery? [more inside]posted by malhouse at 11:48 AM PST - 18 comments

Recommend a good snowboard shop in Denver ? I'm flying into DIA and have a few days for a little road trip to Steamboat. I'm after my first board, maybe a Bataleon or Lib Tech. Would it be cheaper to buy in Steamboat or pickup on the way ? I may even pop into Boulder, if there are some good shops there. Thanks ! posted by Sturdy at 11:27 AM PST - 4 comments

Looking to self-publish a small poetry chapbook. Anybody got recommendations for online sites that will do this for me? I am looking to have hard copies I can sell at readings, rather than have people order from the Web. posted by Astro Zombie at 11:12 AM PST - 7 comments

Is there a term for photography with a plain-colored background (i.e. a background that will blend seamlessly into an x-colored web page background)? [more inside]posted by ollyolly at 11:10 AM PST - 13 comments

While moving out of an apartment my humongous couch would not fit into the elevator. With the promise of 6 flights of tight stairwell looming, I posited the following: "We're on the 5th floor and have the service elevator to ourselves. Let's put it on the 4th, put the couch on top of it, take the elevator to the basement, and carry the couch out the front of the building on the first floor." [more inside]posted by cloax at 11:03 AM PST - 37 comments

I want to play some iPhone music apps live on stage with my band. I'd like to plug my iPhone into an amp. However, I have the iPhone 2G (The original) which doesn't have a normal headphone-out. This output is going bad, anyway. Is there a cable to get sound from the dock connector so I could feed it to the amp? [more inside]posted by ejfox at 10:03 AM PST - 6 comments

Giftfilter: My contrarian technophobe mother has indicated that she "might like to experiment with an iPod." Which one should we get her, and how can we make this as easy as possible? [more inside]posted by Madamina at 9:51 AM PST - 17 comments

I'm a clutz, so my iPhone needs protection. What are the best cases for shielding an Iphone 3GS from drops and spills? Do I need other accessories, too, like screen protectors - and if so which ones? posted by shivohum at 9:17 AM PST - 20 comments

I need to make a "hand made" gift for my secret santa. I was thinking apple cider (non-alcoholic) in a wine bottle. Should I just juice store-bought apples, or are there special methods for making a special apple shhhidar? posted by stbalbach at 7:38 AM PST - 17 comments

Should we opt for the drop-side or standard fixed-side crib? My man's 6'2 and I'm 5'9, so I'm thinking the drop-side may be nice for putting down the (soon-to-be) baby when he gets heavier (especially if I'm pregnant again by then)! [more inside]posted by kristymcj at 7:27 AM PST - 29 comments

Nordic ski filter: I moved last year and now I can't find the hot wax I have for my nordic skiis, but I found the hot wax for my snowboard. Are there any huge differences in the two? Can I hot wax my skiis with snowboard wax? [more inside]posted by kaudio at 6:09 AM PST - 2 comments

I would like to learn more about large-scale UPS systems, particularly the battery strings used in traditional RBOC/Telco applications. These are the sort of beasts that use huge strings of 6V 220aH deep cycle batteries, or even large numbers of 2V 400aH batteries on very strong earthquake-resistant shelving wired up to create a 48V mega-battery. Can anyone point me to the most definitive reference materials on the subject? posted by thewalrus at 5:04 AM PST - 4 comments

Apparently, I'm "the guy who's always in business casual", to the point where people joke about the shirtsleeve tats I must be hiding and my room-mate was surprised to discover I actually owned T-shirts. What kind of outfits can comply with business casual but then, by taking off a shirt or untucking it, become more appropriate for a college student? [more inside]posted by d. z. wang at 12:36 AM PST - 40 comments

December 16

Help from our sourdough bread experts.I want to get my wife a sourdough bread starter and whatever goodies to help in baking a tasty sourdough. Please pass along any tips, books, or info available to get the dough rolling.. By the way can you make a starter at home or is there a really good place to order a starter. Thanks! posted by Upon Further Review at 11:33 PM PST - 23 comments

My Mom has scleral buckles in both eyes after retinal detachments. Can she enjoy Avatar in 3D? History, surgery, and how she sees now backgrounds included. [more inside]posted by lilywing13 at 10:45 PM PST - 5 comments

There's a pretty small file (a .rar that contains a .pdf) I want to download on Megaupload. The download keeps timing out after a few seconds and doesn't start from where it leaves off when I reattempt to download it. I'd like to know if there's a web service that will grab that file off of Megaupload and move it to another downloading site (since I've always had this problem with MU). TIA! [more inside]posted by Mael Oui at 9:02 PM PST - 8 comments

As a Facebook refuser (I've never signed up, never will) is there a best way to monitor any photos or writings that may be linked to my (quite rare) real name? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:38 PM PST - 23 comments

attic insulation question: I live in a split level home that has two separate attics. Is it counterproductive to have one attic better insulated than the other? (more specifics inside) [more inside]posted by cheemee at 6:40 PM PST - 4 comments

Here's the deal. I need to use my credit card to get an additional 850 miles QUICKLY to buy an airline ticket. That means, in my card's scenario, that I need to spend $850 (1 point/$spent).
However, I don't want to buy anything. I have heard of some place where you can buy coins, I think it was silver dollars, for a very small premium, and you could use a credit card.
This would be the perfect solution because I'm using my credit card to buy negotiable currency. Anyone familiar with this, or can offer another alternative for me to build miles without having to get 'goods'? posted by lometogo at 6:04 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm having real strange sleeping issues. I can stay up 2 days straight, sleep one night, then 2 days again. And I'm complete opposite.. sleep during day, awake at night.. Is it age or the fact I lost my job and am stumped, yet oh so happy? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 5:46 PM PST - 25 comments

Stats-filter: Given a binary matrix, if I know the total number of ones in a given row and a given column, can I calculate the probability that a given position contains a one? [more inside]posted by chrisamiller at 5:25 PM PST - 25 comments

My landlord pays the water bill for my apartment complex. Today the water was shut off in the middle of the day. When I called the water company, they said that the complex was shut off due to non-payment. Are there any legal requirements about notice or use of rental fees by the property management? [more inside]posted by slavlin at 5:18 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm looking for an excellent jazz/blues/blues-rock bar in Philly. Grizzled old guys on their guitars, grizzled old patrons, bad lighting, laid-back bartenders and a relaxed atmosphere with a little bit of room to sway if you're feeling it. If you've ever been to the Cat's Eye Pub in Baltimore, something like that. [more inside]posted by schroedinger at 5:17 PM PST - 5 comments

In Thomas Friedman's weak OP-ED entitled www.jihad.com, he writes: “Let’s not fool ourselves. Whatever threat the real Afghanistan poses to U.S. national security, the “Virtual Afghanistan” now poses just as big a threat. The Virtual Afghanistan is the network of hundreds of jihadist Web sites that inspire, train, educate and recruit young Muslims to engage in jihad against America and the West.”
If this is true, could someone provide examples? I mean, I'm sure they're using the internet to recruit people, but this makes it sound far more sophisticated than I would have assumed. posted by defenestration at 1:55 PM PST - 21 comments

What is the best way to move hot air? Would it be blowing air across the heat source (ex: wood stove) or suck the air away from the heat source? [more inside]posted by ascetic at 1:24 PM PST - 11 comments

Is there a software/service that allows you to search specific websites rather than just through than the internet as a whole? I have a select list of sites I refer to weekly to find specific content. Any ideas? [more inside]posted by jverdone at 12:31 PM PST - 12 comments

I want Pandora, but only for a specific set of user defined songs. Is there software that will listen to a song and then tell me what songs are similar to it within another given set of songs? I explain better inside. [more inside]posted by brgale at 12:01 PM PST - 11 comments

Got a notice as I was browsing this morning stating Firefox had updated and as soon as I restarted it was going to install updates, did I want to restart? I didn't, but then restarted a while ago, when it restarted after install all my addons and customizations are completely gone. Everything. I probably had thirty addons, had Firefox set up so nice, exactly how I wanted it. Now what? How do I get my addons back? This has not happened in past updates -- what the hell just happened to me? [more inside]posted by dancestoblue at 11:45 AM PST - 8 comments

I want to lose weight, but the drugs I take to manage my bipolar disease actually add weight. Do you have ideas on how I can lose weight? Details inside. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 10:58 AM PST - 23 comments

Why do (American) women tend to avoid casual eye contact with men as they walk by, enter an elevator, etc... I know there is the obvious issue of not wanting to appear “interested” or send a sexual signal...but does that explain everything? [more inside]posted by punkfloyd at 10:33 AM PST - 79 comments

Can you help me create a Word test that I can email to potential employees (without them being able to cheat on it too easily)? And without purchasing new software? [more inside]posted by ohyouknow at 10:17 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm thinking about canceling my Comcast internet and TV service. To fulfill my internet needs I would switch from my current last-gen handset to a smart phone with a data plan. What should I consider before I make this move? [more inside]posted by codacorolla at 9:56 AM PST - 16 comments

I have a shot with a girl I've liked for a long time. Problem: she's on the rebound. How can I maximize the chances of a happy outcome for both of us? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:36 AM PST - 30 comments

After 12 or so unhappy years in the tech world, I'm looking for a career that is more people oriented. Wondering if sales engineering might be the way to go, and if so if I have the right skill set. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:07 AM PST - 9 comments

What's the origin of the image of the frustrated writer? You know this character - crumpling his drafts into little balls and throwing them in the wastepaper basket, or staring endlessly at a blank page. What are some really early appearances of this image? [more inside]posted by voronoi at 7:04 AM PST - 12 comments

Is there a way to capture a website at a certain point in time so that it's admissible in court? I may be about to be involved in litigation soon and there's information on a site which will be very important and I'd like to use it as evidence, but I'm worried it might move or change. posted by anonymous at 6:43 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm on my way to Austria for a few weeks. Looking for a handy German language app for my Blackberry Tour to help me as I struggle to remember the language. Is there one? While we're here, any other good world travel apps you recommend? [more inside]posted by miss lynnster at 6:41 AM PST - 6 comments

Is YouSendIt.com insecure?
I need to send large files to a client in Dubai (I'm in Los Angeles). Their IT guy wants me to upload to their ftp server because he says YouSendIt is insecure. Fine with me, but I keep getting error messages. I'm pretty knowledgeable about ftp, and I think the problem is on their end, as their server keeps kicking me off. [more inside]posted by ljshapiro at 6:21 AM PST - 35 comments

MenShavingFilter: what is the best soap I can use for a wet shave given that I have very sensitive skin? Preferably available in a store in Montreal, but at least available to order online for delivery to Montreal. [more inside]posted by HopStopDon'tShop at 6:14 AM PST - 25 comments

December 15

Have you trained a super mouthy dog not to nip and chew? Is it possible?
(below is very long in case details matter; feel free to skim.) [more inside]posted by keener_sounds at 10:13 PM PST - 12 comments

I want to listen to my digital music player at work (technically, WMAs and not MP3s) through speakers rather than headphones. With the latter, all my songs sound fairly consistent in volume. With the former, they're all over the map and ditto for the dynamic range. Suggestions? [more inside]posted by TheSecretDecoderRing at 9:41 PM PST - 6 comments

Through no fault of my own (in brief: I was unconscious, but may have been unwarrantedly credulous later), a collection agency's action has become visible on my credit reports. How can I remove these? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:24 PM PST - 8 comments

I suspect one of my undergraduate professors is writing an article based on an idea I proposed to him last spring that he intends to submit for publication in a literary journal. What should I do? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:11 PM PST - 38 comments

Student loans in the United States: I have larger fixed-interest Stafford loans, and smaller private loans tied to LIBOR. Which should I pay back first? [more inside]posted by Muffpub at 7:03 PM PST - 3 comments

Why are there dozens of emergency vehicles with lights flashing right now on the Cambridge side of the Longfellow Bridge (in MA)? Training? Incident? Other? [more inside]posted by vincele at 5:43 PM PST - 7 comments

Hi.
I'm trying to create a new blog and found a great free Wordpress theme that I'd like to use in Blogger. Can I do this? If so, how?
Here's the theme I want to convert:
http://wpthemeland.com/theme/Cooking/
Thanks for your comments and advice.
Take Care,
Dawn posted by MrningLight at 5:36 PM PST - 1 comment

While running errands today I found a rusty metal thing on the sidewalk. Naturally I took it home with me. But I don't know what it is. Do you? It's very heavy. posted by kenko at 5:31 PM PST - 16 comments

What characteristics outside of a well rounded vocabulary clue you into the fact that someone has intelligence/wisdom? This question is about being a keen interviewer/recruiter. [more inside]posted by jasondigitized at 4:38 PM PST - 44 comments

My salad wants to be dressed to impress. Save my Ceasar salads' soul, Mefites. Ceasar salad is so oOold school. Shake up my Ceasar salad dressing with some truly twisted, exotic, unexpected tastes and ingredients while remaining somewhat true to the modern interpretation consisting of egg, parmesan, olive oil, mayo, mustard, lemon, anchovy, Tabasco, and Worcestershire sauce. Thats 'modern' Ceasar to me. I know the 'original' was a far cry from this more or less standard list of ingredients in the current modern interpretation. Be wild... be creative! Lets rock Caesars world. [more inside]posted by Muirwylde at 4:33 PM PST - 18 comments

i come from a very large family and some years back we purchased a home for our elderly mother. i being the youngest was stuck with the home in my name, but recently was offered a job in another country.
i need to get out of this deal with my family and soon before i leave the country.
is there any way i can hand over the deed to the next in line in my family without the hassle of selling to he or she?
i am running out of time and need to do this quickly. posted by anonymous at 4:08 PM PST - 10 comments

We don't have the manual available for the dishwasher in our rented apartment, and it has two mysterious buttons (in addition to other controls that make sense to me). One is labelled "H", the other is labelled 45 (degrees) C. What do they do? [more inside]posted by hAndrew at 3:49 PM PST - 7 comments

There is a rap song about closing down the crack house. It had lots of early-90's rappers on it - I think I remember KRS-ONE, and Shock G from Digital Underground. What was this song called, and who was the main artist? [more inside]posted by kensington314 at 3:10 PM PST - 14 comments

Is there a cheap way to get from Houston to Dallas without renting a car? I'll be in Houston for a week over New Year's, and I'd like to visit Dallas for a couple days. Is there a bus or a train? Airplane tickets are ~$200 with tax, which is a little pricey for the sort of jaunt I was imagining. Thanks. posted by bluefly at 2:57 PM PST - 13 comments

I am looking for some sort of fun promotional item I can give out at a band's ep release party. But I haven't been able to come up with anything I can actually find and I am running out of time. Ideas? [more inside]posted by useyourmachinegunarm at 2:37 PM PST - 15 comments

I've started writing too slow, thinking too much, not imprisoning the editor, etc. I'm looking for an online or osx tool that encourages writing. It might be as simple as a field that asks you to enter x words within y time. I am having trouble shifting my mindset. posted by kingfisher, his musclebound cat at 2:05 PM PST - 14 comments

Like most people, I work much more efficiently when there is a looming deadline to focus my mind. Has anyone found a way to 'trick' their minds into thinking a deadline is more imminent than it is, to increase productivity? posted by Kiwi at 1:57 PM PST - 28 comments

I want to find the "real" Chris Brown song that is the basis for the Chris Brown and Elmo Sesame Street duet called See the Signs. See the video here. [more inside]posted by pandabearjohnson at 1:12 PM PST - 1 comment

My boyfriend has a tendency to lose shit. His wallet, his license, cell phones, keys, ipod, money. This mostly happens when he’s drunk but it also happens when he is stone cold sober. At first, I thought it was weird. Then it became annoying. Now it absolutely infuriates me. Despite his tendency to lose things, he still likes to borrow stuff from other people. And becomes offended when he gets refused. [more inside]posted by mokeydraws at 12:26 PM PST - 61 comments

Where can I find a neoprene winter jacket? I'm imagining something that's relatively thin, but wind-resistant and very warm. Is this even practical? [more inside]posted by niles at 11:34 AM PST - 21 comments

Are there any games which let you just explore and enjoy the scenery, like a walk-in painting or virtual vacation? (single-player preferred) [more inside]posted by lord_yo at 10:50 AM PST - 46 comments

What do you wish you knew about Mainland Chinese dating and relationships that would have made your relationship easier? What are some common sources of misunderstanding between Westerners and people from China? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 10:37 AM PST - 2 comments

A couple of friends of mine and I are going to drive from Austin to Los Angeles for Christmas break. We will be stopping in Flagstaff, AZ on Christmas Eve. What could we do in Flagstaff on Christmas that would be awesome and memorable? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 10:16 AM PST - 11 comments

NancyDrewFilesFilter: The one where she's pushed into a tank with a Great! White! Shark! I can't remember the title, and the sites I've found that list all the titles in the series don't include summaries. [more inside]posted by inging at 8:48 AM PST - 6 comments

What do zoos do with large animals that die? I heard about a giraffe at the Santa Barbara zoo that died and it got me to wondering about what they'd do with the body. I'm guessing they wouldn't just feed it to predator animals (even though that seems kind of efficient and circle of lifeish) so do they bury them, burn them, stuff them? posted by willnot at 8:45 AM PST - 12 comments

Would someone who keeps kosher be able to eat a non-kosher Edible Arrangement?
The extent of his keeping kosher is that he will order only plain salad with no dressing if he needs to eat at a non-kosher restaurant (for business, for example). At home his family has two separate kitchens.
I would like to get him a plain fruit, non-chocolate dipped Edible Arrangement, but the only facility that can prepare it is not kosher certified. posted by Dragonness at 8:14 AM PST - 28 comments

My google-fu is failing me and I have a question about my testosterone level. I had a blood workup for a physical exam and they said normal range is .2-.8 (I forget the units); I am measured at .72. Is this test meaningful? I would think I would be a lot hairier and hornier than I am if I was close to the maximum of the normal range of blood testosterone level. [more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:33 AM PST - 9 comments

I need to park a car overnight tonight in Dublin, Ireland, near the Samuel Beckett Bridge. I'd rather not spend 50 Euros, which is what the closest parking garage charges. Any recommendations? [more inside]posted by billtron at 3:55 AM PST - 6 comments

Okay what is the name of the kind of swing music where the band does call and response with the singer? Not the backup singers. The horn section. [more inside]posted by rileyray3000 at 10:34 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm looking for figures on will-power. How many people who try to lose weight, quit smoking, kick an addiction, start exercising, etc. will be successful (particularly long term)? In other words, I'm looking for experimental or population studies on how often people are able to change their behavior in significant ways when they resolve to do so. Well supported anecdotal data about large groups ("vietnam vets were(n't) largely able to quit heroin on coming home") is only slightly less appreciated. posted by elektrotechnicus at 10:01 PM PST - 11 comments

There is a song I've heard on Pandora that is clever and funny and about cybersex. One attribute I recall is that the singer (male) rhymes something with the lyrics, "semicolon parenthesis." [more inside]posted by Nonce at 10:01 PM PST - 11 comments

I need links to interesting websites and enjoyable books about the history of and current practices of beer making and beer tasting. I start a new bartending job soon, and I may have scored it by pretending to know more than I really do about brew. [more inside]posted by macrowave at 9:56 PM PST - 12 comments

Knowing that two of my housemates plan to leave the third one high and dry, while he has no idea about it, do I tell him? Or is this a breach of trust to them? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 8:50 PM PST - 25 comments

CasualSex-filter: I am a straight woman. I'm not into the bar/club scene whatsoever. I've never had casual sex, and want to change this. Tips for doing this as safely as possible? [more inside]posted by anonymous at 8:50 PM PST - 15 comments

Have you ever moved from a warm, mild climate like Los Angeles, to one that experiences four seasons - and did you do so in the dead of winter? What was it like? What do you wish you had known beforehand? In other words, what am I, a native Angeleno currently taking for granted? [more inside]posted by invisible ink at 8:30 PM PST - 64 comments

Sci-fiShortStoryFilter: A generation ship on a long-term voyage slowly forgets the purpose of its mission and begins to interpret the mission control manual and previous captain's logs as religious works, and cease working toward their target.
Basically all other details I've forgotten, and I'm pretty sure it's not "Thirteen to Centaurus" by JG Ballard that I'm thinking of. posted by palindromic at 7:45 PM PST - 29 comments

Are there well-known classical composers who aren't trained on a particular instrument? An acquaintance is a young singer who's interested in composition (mostly for voice), but in talking to him I get the sense that he feels a little inadequate compared to his fellow students who are accomplished on at least one instrument like piano or violin. Can you give me examples of classical composers whose work is respected but who weren't primarily instrumental players? Modern or otherwise. Thanks! posted by mediareport at 6:56 PM PST - 14 comments

I am in need of a new wireless router. Please talk to me like I know nothing about routers, computers, or technology in general (this is maybe 75% true) and help me choose. [more inside]posted by dpx.mfx at 6:12 PM PST - 14 comments